Amazon's AI systems and advanced technology will create a "safe, more productive" environment for employees as the e-commerce giant plans to avoid hiring 600,000 workers by 2033.

Plus, AI browsers, flying car tech and a virtual immune system, in this edition of The Future of Everything newsletter.

When Amazon Web Services suffered an outage on Monday morning, it practically took down the internet with it. There went all of Amazon’s services, from its shopping hub to its Ring doorbell cameras. ChatGPT went quiet. “Smart” mattresses became unsleepable. Video games like Fortnite blinked out, as did platforms like Snapchat and banking apps.

In late 2024, Amazon introduced Rufus, a generative AI chatbot that helps people shop. It was a curious move for Amazon since the company already has Alexa, which has become a household name at this point. However, there is a difference between the two, and Rufus doesn't act like Alexa in any way.

Amazon’s top AI scientist Rohit Prasad outlined a “model factory” approach and shift toward AI agents at Madrona’s IA Summit in Seattle. The strategy uses Amazon’s own internal systems as reinforcement learning gyms to accelerate the development of its Nova models and enterprise AI tools.

Millions around the world found themselves unable to access popular services thanks to a Domain Name System issue with Amazon Web Services.

Amazon is launching a new AI-powered tool that’s supposed to help you choose which product to buy. Now, when you look at multiple similar items on Amazon’s app or mobile website, it may display a “Help me decide” button that picks one for you based on your browsing activity, searches, shopping history, and preferences.

Amazon, the e-commerce giant, is reportedly preparing for another wave of massive layoffs among its workforce, even as it commits billions of dollars to advance its artificial intelligence initiatives.