Amazon.com Inc.
03/19/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 03/19/2026 03:54
What you need to know about Amazon today: March 19, 2026
Alexa+ launches in the UK, the first country in Europe to get Amazon's next-generation AI assistant
Amazon's next-generation AI assistant, Alexa+ has launched in the UK, marking its first European debut. Powered by generative AI, Alexa+ offers genuinely conversational interactions, deep personalization, and the ability to complete tasks from start to finish-from booking restaurant reservations via OpenTable to controlling smart home devices with natural language. Built by teams at Amazon's Cambridge Tech Hub, Alexa+ understands British expressions like "cuppa" and "knackered," making it authentically British. Available through an Early Access program for hundreds of thousands of customers with compatible Echo and Fire TV devices, Alexa+ is free during Early Access and afterwards free for Prime members or £19.99/month for non-Prime customers. The assistant works seamlessly across devices, maintains conversation context, and integrates with thousands of services including JustEat, Treatwell, Spotify, and Ring, while protecting privacy through the Alexa Privacy dashboard.
Amazon's next-generation AI assistant, Alexa+ has launched in the UK, marking its first European debut. Powered by generative AI, Alexa+ offers genuinely conversational interactions, deep personalization, and the ability to complete tasks from start to finish-from booking restaurant reservations via OpenTable to controlling smart home devices with natural language. Built by teams at Amazon's Cambridge Tech Hub, Alexa+ understands British expressions like "cuppa" and "knackered," making it authentically British. Available through an Early Access program for hundreds of thousands of customers with compatible Echo and Fire TV devices, Alexa+ is free during Early Access and afterwards free for Prime members or £19.99/month for non-Prime customers. The assistant works seamlessly across devices, maintains conversation context, and integrates with thousands of services including JustEat, Treatwell, Spotify, and Ring, while protecting privacy through the Alexa Privacy dashboard.
Setting the record straight on Amazon's USPS partnership
Amazon spent over a year negotiating in good faith with USPS for a new long-term delivery contract that would have increased package volumes and brought billions in revenue to the Postal Service. However, USPS abruptly walked away from negotiations in December 2025, just before Amazon's deadline to finalize the agreement needed for long-term network planning. Amazon submitted a bid in February 2026 as part of USPS's new auction process but has received no response, forcing the company to invest in alternative delivery options while the window for partnership continues to narrow. Despite the uncertainty, Amazon remains committed to working with USPS and values their 30-year partnership that has delivered packages to customers nationwide, including rural communities.
Amazon spent over a year negotiating in good faith with USPS for a new long-term delivery contract that would have increased package volumes and brought billions in revenue to the Postal Service. However, USPS abruptly walked away from negotiations in December 2025, just before Amazon's deadline to finalize the agreement needed for long-term network planning. Amazon submitted a bid in February 2026 as part of USPS's new auction process but has received no response, forcing the company to invest in alternative delivery options while the window for partnership continues to narrow. Despite the uncertainty, Amazon remains committed to working with USPS and values their 30-year partnership that has delivered packages to customers nationwide, including rural communities.
Amazon introduces faster delivery with new 1-hour and 3-hour options
Amazon has introduced 1-hour and 3-hour delivery options for over 90,000 products across the United States. The 1-hour service is available in hundreds of cities, while 3-hour delivery reaches over 2,000 locations. Prime members pay discounted fees of $9.99 for 1-hour and $4.99 for 3-hour delivery, compared to $19.99 and $14.99 for non-Prime customers. Amazon uses its existing Same-Day Delivery sites and AI-powered inventory systems to fulfill orders quickly, offering everything from household essentials to electronics. The service operates seven days a week, with plans for further expansion.
Amazon has introduced 1-hour and 3-hour delivery options for over 90,000 products across the United States. The 1-hour service is available in hundreds of cities, while 3-hour delivery reaches over 2,000 locations. Prime members pay discounted fees of $9.99 for 1-hour and $4.99 for 3-hour delivery, compared to $19.99 and $14.99 for non-Prime customers. Amazon uses its existing Same-Day Delivery sites and AI-powered inventory systems to fulfill orders quickly, offering everything from household essentials to electronics. The service operates seven days a week, with plans for further expansion.
Everything you need to know about Amazon's Big Spring Sale 2026
Amazon's Big Spring Sale 2026 returns March 25-31, offering seven days of savings across 35+ categories including spring fashion, beauty, home refresh items, and lawn and garden supplies. New this year: three curated Top 100+ lists (Deals, Health & Wellness, Spring Favorites), daily themed deal drops refreshed each morning, and Doorbuster deals starting at 40% off. Customers can save up to 50% on Amazon Outlet, 40% on fashion and Easter items, 35% on kitchen products, 30% on lawn and garden, and 25% on groceries including Easter dinner bundles. Prime members unlock exclusive savings with special "Prime Spring Deal" badges, while Prime Young Adults earn 10% cash back on apparel and beauty.
Amazon's Big Spring Sale 2026 returns March 25-31, offering seven days of savings across 35+ categories including spring fashion, beauty, home refresh items, and lawn and garden supplies. New this year: three curated Top 100+ lists (Deals, Health & Wellness, Spring Favorites), daily themed deal drops refreshed each morning, and Doorbuster deals starting at 40% off. Customers can save up to 50% on Amazon Outlet, 40% on fashion and Easter items, 35% on kitchen products, 30% on lawn and garden, and 25% on groceries including Easter dinner bundles. Prime members unlock exclusive savings with special "Prime Spring Deal" badges, while Prime Young Adults earn 10% cash back on apparel and beauty.
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