- Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) Echos will receive a free update on May 9 that allows for a FreeTime setting that gears the smart speaker towards children.
- The update locks some functions (like online ordering), adds new child-friendly controls, and adds rewards for politeness.
- Parents can control the settings through the Alexa app and have the final word on what skills are allowed on the device. Transactional skills like ordering pizzas are automatically banned.
- Parents can also set a “bedtime” for the device so that Alexa won’t respond after a certain time of day.
- In other Amazon news, The Information reports that private equity firms and other investors are “circling” small businesses that successfully sell on Amazon’s platform.
- Brokers say investors could buy up and combine attractive businesses with a focus on top sellers achieving at least $500K in annual sales.
- Last week, Amazon said private sellers accounted for over half of Amazon.com sales in 2017, the first time for that seller shift.
- Amazon shares are up 0.3%.
- Previously: Why Amazon's considering home shopping buy; health partnership selecting CEO (April 24)
- Now read: Amazon Advertising: Hidden Gem That Could Drive Shareholder Value
Original article