Amazon is planning to donate $1 million to President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration fund, a move that comes as major tech companies seek to improve their relationship with the incoming president. A company spokesperson confirmed Thursday evening that the e-commerce giant will also stream Trump's inauguration on its Prime Video service, a separate in-kind donation worth another $1 million. How to secure communications with encryption Earlier in the day, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, said it donated $1 million to Trump's inauguration fund. Amazon's plans — first reported by The Wall Street Journal — came after Trump said Thursday morning that the company's founder, Jeff Bezos, was planning to visit him in person next week. The two men had feuded in the past. During his first term, Trump criticized Amazon and railed against the political coverage at The Washington Post, which Bezos owns. Top 10 Best Gaming Monitors Released in 2024 Meanwhile, Bezos had criticized some of Trump's past rhetoric. In 2019, Amazon also argued in a court case that Trump’s bias against the company harmed its chances of winning a $10 billion Pentagon contract. The Biden administration later pursued a contract with both Amazon and Microsoft. More recently, Bezos has struck a more conciliatory tone. Last week, he said at The New York Times' DealBook Summit in New York that he was “optimistic” about Trump’s second term while also endorsing president-elect's plans to cut regulations. In October, Bezos did not allow the Post to endorse a presidential candidate, a move that led to tens of thousands of people canceling their subscriptions and to protests from journalists with a deep history at the newspaper. At the time, Bezos wrote in an op-ed in the newspaper that editorial endorsements create a perception of bias at a time when many Americans don’t believe the media. Separately, the donation from Meta, which was also first reported by the Journal, came just weeks after Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg met with Trump privately at Mar-a-Lago. A Meta spokesperson confirmed the offering Thursday. Meta donates $1m to Trump's inauguration fund Stephen Miller, who has been appointed deputy chief of staff for Trump’s second term, has said that Zuckerberg, like other business leaders, wants to support Trump’s economic plans. The tech CEO has been seeking to change his company’s perception on the right following a rocky relationship with Trump. Trump was kicked off Facebook following the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The company restored his account in early 2023. During the 2024 campaign, Zuckerberg did not endorse a candidate for president, but he has voiced a more positive stance toward Trump. Earlier this year, he praised Trump’s response to his first assassination attempt. Still, Trump had continued to attack Zuckerberg publicly during the campaign. In July, he posted a message on his own Truth Social platform threatening to send election fraudsters to prison in part by citing a nickname he used for the Meta CEO. “ZUCKERBUCKS, be careful!” Trump wrote. Corporations have traditionally made up a large share of donors to presidential inaugurals, with an exception in 2009, when then-President-elect Barack Obama refused to accept corporate donations. He reversed course for his second inaugural in 2013. Facebook did not donate to either Biden's 2021 inaugural or Trump’s 2017 inaugural. Google donated $285,000 each to Trump's first inaugural and Biden’s inaugural, according to Federal Election Commission records. Inaugural committees are required to disclose the source of their fundraising, but not how they spend the money. Microsoft gave $1 million to Obama’s second inaugural, but only $500,000 to Trump in 2017 and Biden in 2021. Amazon had donated roughly $58,000 to Trump's 2017 inaugural, much lower than than $1 million it now plans to donate. The company also streamed Biden's inauguration on Prime Video in 2021.

Amazon Prime Video, a great global OTT platform, elevates entertainment with its signature blend of captivating and diverse storytelling. Like every month, the November 2024 lineup of Amazon Prime brings a fresh mix of romance, thriller, comedy, and adventure genres. Insightful documentaries and humorous shows pair with an array of exclusive shows and films, adding to the excitement. Let’s dive into this month's must-watch releases. 10 Must-see Amazon Prime Originals Premiering This November Freedom | Romantic Thriller | November 1, 2024 Written by Christophe Deslandes and Melanie Laurent, this French movie thrives under the direction of Melanie Laurent. Produced by Alain Goldman, the thriller movie is inspired by the real-life saga of a notorious French gangster who ruled the underworld in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The story centers on Bruno Sulak, a charismatic criminal reminiscent of Arsène Lupin, known for orchestrating audacious heists without ever firing a shot. The strong cast is completed by Lucas Bravo, Lea Luce Busato, Yvan Attal, Radivoje Bukvic, Steve Tientcheu, David Murgia, Leo Chalie, and Slimane Dazi. Read more: Netflix’s October 2024 Korean Releases: Films, Series, and Shows Citadel (Honey Bunny) | Spy-Action Thriller | November 7, 2024 A spin-off to Citadel, another Prime original, this TV series was created by Raj & DK, who co-wrote and directed it with Sita Menon. This Hindi action series is an Indian version of the globally acclaimed drama about the clashes between international spies. Starring Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Varun Dhawan as the title characters, the spy series features a supporting cast that includes Emma Canning, Simran Bagga, and Kay Kay Menon. The production credit goes to Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Mike Larocca, Angela Russo-Otstot, Scott Nemes, David Weil, and Raj & DK. Read more: Amazon Prime Originals Releasing in October 2024: Films, Series, and Reality Shows Every Minute Counts | Disaster Drama | November 8, 2024 Based on a catastrophic earthquake in 1985 in Mexico City, this disaster film excels with Jorge Michel Grau as the showrunner, director, and screenwriter. Moises Urquidi and Fernando Urdapilleta accompanied Grau in the direction. Victoria Orvananos, Alfredo Felix-Diaz, Natalia Quevedo, Venancio Villalobos, and Alejandro Valenzuela contributed to the screenplay along with Grau. The plot intertwines the lives of a doctor with a hidden past, a fame-seeking journalist, and a troubled family. All of them risk everything in rescue missions that offer them a chance at redemption. Traziende Films production shapes the film starring Osvaldo Benavides, Jesus Zavala, Maya Zapata, Oswaldo Rada, Jorge Leon, Antonio de la Vega, and Enrique Arreola. German Cocaine Cowboy | True Crime | November 10, 2024 This four-part documentary series chronicles Hamburg gangster Joe Marx’s rise to power within the infamous Cali cartel during the 1990s. Read more: October 2024 Bollywood Release Lineup: Top 10 Hindi Movies to Watch The German mini-series flourishes with Georg Tschurtschenthaler and Christian Beetz as its producers with Tschurtschenthaler as its showrunner. Besides writing the screenplay with Ina Kessebohm, Peter Dorfler directed the crime series. The cast includes Philipp Boos, Claude Albert Heinrich, Niklas Bruhn, Carmen Molinar, and Anne Roemeth. Cross | Crime Thriller | November 14, 2024 Based on James Patterson’s novel series ‘Alex Cross’, this thriller series boasts Ben Watkins as the creator and showrunner. The crime series follows Alex Cross, a detective and forensic psychologist, as well as a devoted father. He relentlessly pursues both killers and victims which drives him to unearth hidden truths and bring justice to those affected. Read more: Must-watch South Indian Films Releasing in October 2024 ‘Cross’ stars Aldis Hodge, Juanita Jennings, and Isaiah Mustafa, supported by Sharon Taylor, Ryan Eggold, Alona Tal, and Eloise Mumford. Aldis Hodge and Chris Agoston jointly produced this crime series.

Amazon Prime Video excels with its impressive variety of content, spanning multiple formats and themes. Renowned for its multilingual features and content that embraces diverse cultures, the OTT (Over-The-Top) platform consistently raises the bar in the streaming world. Viewers eagerly await each release, drawn to the fresh perspectives, exclusive series, and films. Let's check out the most anticipated releases that will keep viewers entertained throughout October 2024. Top 10 Amazon Prime Video Originals Coming this October House of Spoils | Supernatural Horror Thriller | October 03, 2024 The American horror movie flourishes with Bridget Savage Cole and Danielle Krudy as its writers and directors. The thriller movie stars Ariana DeBose, Barbie Ferreira, Marton Csokas, Arian Moayed, and Amara Karan in pivotal roles. ‘House of Spoils’ follows a chef grappling with kitchen turmoil, a suspicious investor, and the sinister spirit of the estate’s former owner. The chef must fight against these threats to save her dreams of opening her first restaurant. Read more: September 2024 Bollywood Releases: Top 10 Hindi Films to Watch The production team includes Greg Gilreath and Adam Hendricks of Divide/Conquer, Jason Blum of Blumhouse Television and Drew Houpt, Lucas Joaquin, and Alex Scharfman of Secret Engine. The Legend of Vox Machina (Season Three) | Fantasy Adventure | October 03, 2024 Adapted from the ‘Critical Role’ campaign of ‘Dungeons & Dragons’, this American animated series showcases the creating prowess of Brandon Auman and Critical Role Productions. Besides crafting Exandria, a fictional world where the series takes place, Matthew Mercer also serves as a voice actor in the fantasy series. Season 3 will see the Chroma Conclave wreak havoc as the Cinder King targets Vox Machina. It forces the misfit heroes to confront personal and external demons in a battle to save everyone including their loved ones. Read more: September 2024 South Indian Movie Lineup: Top 12 Releases Laura Bailey, Taliesin Jaffe, Ashley Johnson, Matthew Mercer, Liam O'Brien, Marisha Ray, and Travis Willingham will reprise their roles for this season. Credit for producing the adventure series goes to Metapigeon and Titmouse, Inc. El Diario | Thriller | October 04, 2024 Bankrolled by Alberto Muffelmann and Regina Valdes, this Spanish movie boasts Alba Gil and Emma Bertran as the directors. Bertran also co-wrote the script with Pamela Pons. ‘El Diario’ tells the chilling story of Olga, a divorced mother who relocates to a new city with her daughter, Vera. When Olga discovers a diary belonging to a still-active killer in her attic, she must navigate her unsettling connection to the diary while juggling conflicts with her ex-husband and his new partner. Read more: September 2024 Amazon Prime Originals List: Exclusive Shows, Films, and Series The thriller movie stars Irene Azuela, Isabella Arroyo, Mauricio Ochmann, Leonardo Ortizgris, and Yoshira Escarrega in key roles. Killer Cakes | Game Show | October 08, 2024 This unique competition pushes bakers with extraordinary skills to tackle some of the most spine-chilling challenges ever. Contestants collaborate with Hollywood's top horror special effects artists, using their dark imaginations to create disturbingly grotesque and realistic cakes. Hosted by horror veteran Matthew Lillard, the show highlights the expert judgments of experimental food artist and cookbook author Nikk Alcaraz, and Danielle Harris. ‘Killer Cakes’ excels with Ruth Amsel as its showrunner, and Jason Blum and Gretchen Palek as the executive Producers. Citadel: Diana | Spy-Action | October 10, 2024 Written by Alessandro Fabbri, Ilaria Bernardini, Laura Colella, Gianluca Bernardini, and Giordana Mari, this Italian TV series adapts the American TV series Citadel (2023). The spy series is brought to fruition by director Arnaldo Catinari, with Gina Gardini serving as the showrunner. Read more: Top Hindi Films to Watch: August 2024 Bollywood Releases Set eight years after the fall of Citadel, this sci-fi thriller follows Diana Cavalieri, an undercover Citadel agent, trapped behind enemy lines within the powerful Manticore syndicate. Desperate to escape and disappear, Diana must rely on an unlikely ally to make her final move. The ‘Citadel: Diana’ cast includes Matilda De Angelis, Lorenzo Cervasio, Maurizio Lombardi, Julia Piaton, Thekla Reuten, Daniele Paoloni, Bernhard Schutz, and Filippo Nigro.

Continuously setting new benchmarks in web entertainment, Amazon Prime Video dazzles with its films, series, and shows. Known for its genre-rich content, this OTT (over-the-top) platform specializes in blending cultural diversity with innovation. Whether it's thrilling action, reality shows, or insightful documentaries, the streamer keeps viewers hooked. Audiences keep returning for the diverse offerings and the excitement of discovering something new with every release. Let’s dive into the September lineup of Prime Video Originals to discover why they shouldn’t be missed. Must-Watch Amazon Prime Original Content Being Released This September Call Me Bae | Comedy Drama Series | September 6, 2024 With Karan Johar, Somen Mishra, and Apoorva Mehta at the helm as executive producers, this new Hindi series radiates star-studded prestige. Led by Ananya Panday, the cast also features Gurfateh Pirzada, Vir Das, Varun Sood, Muskkaan Jaferi, Vihaan Samat, Mini Mathur, Niharika Lyra Dutt, and Lisa Mishra. This eight-episode saga has been created by Ishita Moitra and brought to life by director Collin D’Cunha. Co-written by Ishita Moitra, Samina Motlekar, and Rohit Nair, ‘Call Me Bae’ follows Bae, a former heiress thrust into the gritty hustle of Mumbai after a scandal. It explores Bae's journey from riches to resilience as she discovers that her true wealth lies in her savvy and style. Read more: September 2024 Netflix English Originals: Must-watch Films, Series, and Shows Como Cazar A Un Monstruo | Crime Docuseries | September 6, 2024 Lluis Gros, sentenced to 23 years for sexual abuse, wishes to restore his image after his conviction. For this purpose, he asked YouTuber and filmmaker Carles Tamayo to document his life. Initially agreeing, Carles hopes for an apology but soon uncovers Gros's continued freedom and unrepentant nature. As Carles delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of crimes, leading him to orchestrate Gros’s ultimate downfall. Directed by Carles Tamayo and produced by Bambu Producciones' Ramon Campos, this Spanish documentary chronicles a criminal's ego-driven demise and one man's relentless pursuit of justice. Popstars: Season 6 | Music Competition | September 12, 2024 Returning for its sixth season, the iconic French reality TV show Popstars once again takes center stage in the musical competition scene. Originating from an international series of the same name, this series debuted in 2001 on M6, a French television channel. Read more: Amazon Prime Originals August 2024 Lineup: Most-hyped Movies, Web Series, Shows Popsters have revolutionized France's approach to musical contests. This season, the panel of judges, comprising Louane, Eddy de Pretto, and Marseille's own Alonzo, will embark on their mission to discover the next big stars. The judges will mentor them and allow them to record their debut tracks. Thursday Night Football | Sports | September 12, 2024 The NFL (National Football League) is set to kick off an electrifying new season, featuring exclusive coverage of Thursday Night Football, the debut of Black Friday Football, and the league's first-ever Wild Card Playoff game. With an expanded lineup of games and AI-powered features that enhance fan engagement, the 2024 TNF season promises excitement from the start. The action begins on September 12th with a thrilling Bills vs. Dolphins clash in Miami, leading to a blockbuster season that includes matchups with the 49ers, Jets, Bengals, Rams, and more. Read more: Top Hindi Films to Watch: August 2024 Bollywood Releases My Old Ass | Comedy Drama | September 13, 2024 Starring Percy Hynes White, Maisy Stella, Maddie Ziegler, Alain Goulem, Aubrey Plaza, and Kerrice Brooks, the comedy movie boasts Megan Park as the director. My Old Ass centers on Elliott Labrant, who receives a life-altering message from her future self: avoid falling in love at all costs. Confident she can stick to this advice, her resolve begins to waver when she crosses paths with the very boy her older self had warned her about. The production credit goes to Tom Ackerley, Margot Robbie, Josey McNamara, and Steven Rales. Read more: Most Hyped South Indian Movies Releasing in August 2024

Films, series, and shows on Amazon Prime Video are packed with engaging storylines, impressive casts, and performances. Their selections of comedy, action, thrillers, and even reality shows amuse viewers worldwide. Every month entertainment lovers await new releases on this OTT platform. Here's a list of Amazon Prime originals coming in August 2024. 10 Must-watch Amazon Prime Originals Streaming This August . Batman: Caped Crusader | Animated Superhero Series | August 1, 2024 The animated series, from 6th & Idaho, Bad Robot Productions, and the famous Warner Bros. Animation, reimagines the pop-comic character Batman. Set in the criminals' paradise of Gotham City, the action series focuses on orphaned billionaire Bruce Wayne, who impersonates Batman to save the terrorized citizens. He has to face many undesirable consequences in this life full of conflict and chaos at every step. ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ features the voice-overs of Diedrich Bader, Hamish Linklater, Jason Watkins, Christina Ricci, Jamie Chung, Eric Morgan Stuart, Mckenna Grace, and Haley Joel Osment. Created by Bob Kane and Bruce Timm, the superhero series is brought to fruition by directors Christopher Berkeley, Christina Sotta, and Matt Peters. Read more: Amazon Prime Video June 2024 Releases: Exclusive Films, Web Series, and Shows Influenced | Talk show | August 1, 2024 Unlike the other talk shows, this series is led by popular social media content creators and influencers. Spanning 30 minutes, the episodes will have social media stars Eyal Booker, Achieng Agutu, Cyrus Veyssi, Tefi Pessoa, and Taryn Delanie Smith as the co-hosts. Neither the podcast nor the traditional talk, ‘Influenced’ excels as the best of both, presenting everyday life in a new way to the audience. It will explore a wide range of topics like lifestyle, fashion, beauty, travel, food, home design, mental health, wellness, spirituality, and pop culture. Jill Van Lokeren serves as the showrunner and one of its producers, along with Reese Witherspoon and Hello Sunshine’s Elizabeth Sandorff, Sara Rea, and Sue Kinkead. Read more: Korean Dramas to Binge-Watch on Netflix in June 2024 The Mallorca Files (Season 3) | Crime Drama Series | August 8, 2024 Set on the glamorous Spanish island of Mallorca, this detective series boasts Dan Sefton as its creator, lead writer, and showrunner. The drama series centers around the detective duo of British Miranda Blake and German Max Winter, who eventually team up together despite their differing perceptions. In Season 3, under the supervision of Ines Villegas, they go through high-stakes adventures like treasure hunts, kidnappings, murders, and arson. Along the way, they get their mutual understanding and odd partnership tested. The new season features international guest celebrities including Philippe Brenninkmeyer, Enrique Arce, Charlie Higson, David Mora, Leonor Watling, Elena Saurel, and Michael Jibson. Sarah-Lou Hawkins, Dan Muirden, Emily Fairweather, Alex McBride, and Jackie Okwera have also contributed to the script for Season 3. The series flourishes with Dominic Barlow as the producer, and Kate Cheeseman, Craig Pickles, and Rob Evans directing the latest season. Read more: June 2024 Bollywood Buzz: 10 Most Hyped Hindi Film Releases One Fast Move | Action Film | August 8, 2024 Starring KJ Apa, Maia Reficco, Eric Dane, Austin North, and Edward James Olmos, this movie thrives under the meticulous writing and directing of Kelly Blatz. The production credit goes to Mike Karz and Bill Bindley. The movie tells a dream-come-true story where a young lad sets out in search of his estranged father to become a professional motorcycle racer. He vows to overcome the obstacles created by his father's absence. The boy’s girlfriend, the owner of a motorcycle shop, joins this endeavor making the storyline more interesting. Read more: July 2024 Netflix English Originals: Top 10 Must-Watch Releases 5x Comedia (Season 2) | Comedy TV Show | August 8, 2024 The creator of this Brazilian anthology TV series is Monique Gardenberg, who adapted it from the theater franchise of the same name created by Silvia Gardenberg. The theme highlights the social isolation that emerged in the context of the Coronavirus pandemic. Following that backdrop, the new season will focus on the revolutionary changes in people's work lives. Season two stars Lazaro Ramos, Fabiana Karla, Ingrid Guimaraes, Fernanda Paes Leme, and the only returning cast member, Rafael Portugal. The comedy show is shaped by the directing of Monique, and the actor Lazaro, along with Rodrigo Vander Put, Flavia Lacerda, Rafael Primot, and Ian SBF. The production team includes Maria Angela De Jesus, Tereza Gonzalez, and Jeffrey Neale. Read more: July 2024 Amazon Prime Originals: Must-Watch Shows, Series, and Movies

Amazon Prime Video continues to elevate its platform with a diverse array of content that caters to a wide-ranging audience. Each month's new releases add to its rich library of movies, web series, and shows spanning various genres such as romance, sports, sci-fi, biography, and thrillers. This July, Amazon Prime Video promises an exciting line-up of exclusive content. Let's explore the most anticipated releases that will keep viewers entertained throughout the month of July in 2024. 10 Most-Hyped Amazon Prime Video Originals Streaming This July LOL: Last One Laughing Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia | Reality TV Series | July 4 and 11, 2024 Based on the Japanese show Documental, this hugely successful comedy format on Prime Video introduces three more local versions. The Philippines and Thailand editions will launch on July 4, followed by the Indonesian version on July 11. In each version, the host leads 10 comedians in a hilarious competition where they must strategize to be the last one standing without laughing. The show features Southeast Asian comedic talents including Pandji Pragiwaksono in Indonesia, Vice Ganda in the Philippines, and Siwat Chotchaicharin and Pramote Pathan in Thailand. Read more: Amazon Prime Video June 2024 Releases: Exclusive Films, Web Series, and Shows Space Cadet | Romantic Comedy Film | July 4, 2024 Directed and written by Liz W. Garcia, "Space Cadet" centers on Rex, a spirited young woman who unexpectedly finds herself at NASA. She must quickly prove her worth to her skeptical colleagues as the unlikely savior of the program. The film stars Tom Hopper, Emma Roberts, Poppy Liu, Gabrielle Union, Desi Lydic, Sam Robards, and Sebastian Yatra. Sam Morril: You’ve Changed | Comedy Special | July 09, 2024 In this comedy special directed by James Webb, rising New York comic Sam Morril takes center stage. Morril and Webb serve as executive producers along with Matthew Vaughan. In this one-hour special, Morril riffs on his worst dating experiences and the complexities of aging, offering his unique take on topics from cable news to the pitfalls of social media. Sausage Party: Foodtopia | Animation Comedy Series | July 11, 2024 Created by Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen, and Conrad Vernon, and developed by Ariel Shaffir and Kyle Hunter, this animated series is based on the 2016 film "Sausage Party." Returning voice actors include Rogen, Michael Cera, Kristen Wiig, Edward Norton, and David Krumholtz. New voices are provided by Will Forte, Natasha Rothwell, Sam Richardson, and Yassir Lester. Read more: Must-watch South Indian Films Being Released in June 2024 The storyline follows Frank and his friends as they establish a sanctuary called "Foodtopia" after rebelling against humanity. However, their haven is devastated by a massive flood, forcing them to collaborate with humans for survival. Divorce in the Black | Thriller Drama Film | July 11, 2024 This thrilling drama centers on Ava, a young bank professional devastated by her husband's abandonment. As she fights to move on, fate reveals sinister actions that once thwarted her destiny to find her soulmate. The movie stars Cory Hardrict, Meagan Good, Joseph Lee Anderson, Taylor Polidore, Shannon Wallace, Debbi Morgan, and Richard Lawson. "Divorce in the Black" is written and directed by Tyler Perry, who also produced the film along with Dianne Ashford, Angi Bones, Will Areu, and Meagan Good.

Jeff Bezos filed a statement with federal regulators indicating his sale of nearly 12 million shares of Amazon stock worth more than $2 billion. The Amazon executive chairman notified the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission of the sale of 11,997,698 shares of common stock on Feb. 7 and Feb. 8. The collective value of the shares of Amazon, which is based in Seattle where he founded the company in a garage about three decades ago, was more than $2.04 billion, according to the listed price totals. Read: US-Bangla Airlines welcomes first Airbus, another Boeing to expanding fleet  The stocks were grouped in five blocks between 1 million and more than 3.2 million. In a separate SEC filing, Bezos listed the proposed sale of 50 million Amazon shares around Feb. 7 with an estimated market value of $8.4 billion. Bezos stepped down as Amazon's CEO in 2021 to spend more time on his other projects, including the rocket company, Blue Origin, and his philanthropy. His address on the stock filings is listed as Seattle, although he reportedly has relocated to Miami. Read more: February 2024 Amazon Prime Originals: Most-Hyped Shows, Series, and Movies

Amazon employees have been pushing back against the company’s return-to-office policy for months — and it seems CEO Andy Jassy has had enough. During a pre-recorded internal Q&A session earlier this month, Jassy told employees it was “past the time to disagree and commit” with the policy, which requires corporate employees to be in the office three days a week. The phrase “disagree and commit” is one of Amazon’s leadership principles, and was used often by the company’s founder and current executive chairman, Jeff Bezos. Brazil's Amazon Summit ends with a plan to protect the world's rainforests, but no measurable goals “If you can’t disagree and commit, it’s probably not going work out for you at Amazon,” Jassy said, adding it wasn’t right for some employees to be in the office three days a week while others refuse to do so. His comments were first reported by Business Insider, and later shared by Amazon. The current office attendance mandate, which was announced in February and went into effect in May, is a shift from Amazon’s previous policy that allowed leaders to determine how their teams worked. But the company said Tuesday it rejects the notion that the prior policy was supposed to be the norm, and pointed to a blog post from 2021 where Jassy noted Amazon would “continue to adjust” things as more information rolled in. Amazon nations seek common voice on climate change, urge action from industrialized world When announcing the updated policy earlier this year, Jassy wrote in a memo to staff that Amazon made its decision after observing what worked during the pandemic and talking to leaders at other companies. He said the company’s senior executives, known internally as the S-team, concluded employees tended to be more engaged in person and collaborate more easily. But many workers haven’t been convinced. In May, hundreds of Amazon employees protested the new policy during a lunchtime demonstration at the company’s Seattle headquarters. At the time, an internal Slack channel that advocated for remote work had racked up 33,000 members. Some employees have also been pushing the company to supply data that support Jassy’s claims. During the session, Jassy said the company's leadership looked at the data it has available and among other things, he said they didn’t feel that meetings were as effective from home as they were before. He added there are a lot of scenarios where the company has made some of its biggest decisions without perfect data, pointing to examples like Amazon’s decision to pursue an online marketplace for sellers and AWS, its cloud computing unit. Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft and other tech firms agree to AI safeguards set by the White House In July, Amazon also rolled out a policy that requires some workers in smaller offices to move to main offices located in bigger cities, according to multiple media reports. Amazon employs 1.4 million people worldwide but does not indicate how many of those work in office settings, as opposed to working at its warehouses and other sites.

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is a self-publishing platform by Amazon that allows authors to share their books with a global audience.This program allows self-publishing of eBooks, including control over pricing and royalties. KDP enables writers to connect with readers and gain valuable insights into book performance. Whether one is a seasoned author or a newcomer to publishing, KDP offers an accessible and empowering way to share one’s work with the world. Here is a step-by-step process to make money from Amazon Kindle Publishing.  What is Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)? Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is a self-publishing platform offered by Amazon that allows authors and content creators to publish their books and reach a vast audience worldwide. Through KDP, authors can publish both eBooks and print-on-demand paperbacks, making it a convenient and accessible platform for aspiring writers and established authors alike. How does Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing work? Step 1: Creating an Amazon KDP Account with a Definitive Payment Method The first step to getting started with KDP is to create an account on the platform. This involves providing necessary details such as your name, email address, and payment information. When creating an Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) account, you will need to provide some payment information for royalty payments. Here are the details you may need to provide: Bank Account Information: You must specify the bank account where Amazon can deposit your royalties. This includes details such as the account holder's name, account number, and the bank's routing number. Read more: Payoneer to Bkash Fund Transfer: A Great Advancement of Freelancing in Bangladesh Address and Tax Information: Amazon KDP requires you to provide your tax information, such as your mailing address and tax identification number (TIN). For the inhabitants of USA, Social Security Number (SSN) will be required. Payment Method: Apart from bank account information, Amazon KDP may offer other payment options depending on your location and the payment methods supported in your country. Common alternatives include Payoneer, PayPal, and checks. Currency: You may also need to specify your preferred currency for receiving royalty payments. Amazon supports payments in various currencies, and you can choose the one that suits you best. Step 2: Preparing Your Manuscript Before publishing, it's essential to format your manuscript correctly to ensure a seamless reading experience for your audience. KDP supports various formats, such as Word, PDF, and ePub, so authors have flexibility in preparing their content. Read more: Want to start freelancing from Bangladesh? These are the best platforms for you Step 3: Designing a Book Cover An eye-catching book cover plays a crucial role in attracting readers. KDP offers design tools and templates to help authors create professional book covers without the need for advanced graphic design skills. Step 4: Setting the Price and Royalty Options Authors have control over pricing their books and can select royalty options that best suit their publishing goals. KDP offers two royalty options: 35% and 70%, with the latter requiring the book to meet certain pricing criteria. Step 5: Publishing Your Book Once the manuscript is ready and the book cover is designed, authors can upload their work to the KDP platform and make it available for sale on Amazon. What are the Steps Involved in Creating a Kindle Direct Publishing Book? Write and Edit Your Manuscript Creating an engaging book begins with the art of writing. Let your creativity flow as you put pen to paper or type away on your keyboard. Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, ensure that your content is well-structured and compelling. Once you've completed your first draft, it's time to polish it. Editing is an essential step in refining your work. Make your manuscript shine by paying attention to grammar, spelling, and sentence structure. Read more: 7 Top AI Writing Tools, Software to Generate Human-Like Text Choose the Right Book Title The title of your book is like a window into its soul. It should intrigue potential readers and give them a glimpse of what awaits within the pages. Brainstorm different titles that resonate with your story or subject matter. Keep it simple yet powerful, and make sure it aligns with the genre and tone of your book. Create an Eye-Catching Book Cover "Don't judge a book by its cover" may be a popular saying, but the reality is that readers often do. Your book cover is the first thing that grabs a reader's attention, so invest time in designing a visually appealing and professional cover. If you lack design skills, don't worry; plenty of talented graphic designers can bring your vision to life. Format Your Manuscript for KDP Proper formatting ensures a seamless reading experience for your audience. Amazon KDP has specific guidelines for formatting, so familiarize yourself with them. Attention to font choice, paragraph spacing, chapter headings, and page numbering. A well-formatted book shows readers that you care about quality. Set the Book Description The book description serves as your book's sales pitch. It should be persuasive and enticing, leaving readers eager to explore your book further. Use engaging language to convey the essence of your story or the value of your non-fiction content. Don't give away all the details; leave some intrigue to pique curiosity. Read more: Best Free Websites to Improve English Writing Skill Select Appropriate Keywords Keywords are like signposts that lead readers to your book. Research relevant keywords that match your book's content and genre. Incorporate these keywords in your title, subtitle, and book description to improve discoverability. Choose Categories and Keywords Properly categorizing your book on Amazon is vital for reaching the right audience. Select the categories that align with your book's content and theme. Accurate categorization helps your book show up in relevant search results, increasing its visibility. Set the Book Price Determining the right price for your book requires consideration of various factors. Take into account the length of your book, its genre, and your target audience. Pricing too high may deter potential readers, while pricing too low might undervalue your work. Enroll in KDP Select (Optional) KDP Select is a program that offers certain promotional benefits but also requires exclusivity with Amazon for a limited period. Decide if enrolling in this program aligns with your marketing strategy and goals. Read more: English Writing Skill: How to Start Writing and Improve Continuously Upload Your Book to KDP With your manuscript, cover, and details ready, it's time to upload your book to the KDP platform. Follow the step-by-step process, carefully inputting the required information. Double-check for accuracy to avoid any potential issues later. Preview Your Book Before hitting that publish button, take advantage of Amazon's preview tool. This tool allows you to see how your book will appear on different devices. Check for formatting errors and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a professional presentation. Publish Your Book Once you are confident that your book is ready for the world, it's time to publish. Click that "Publish Your Kindle eBook" button, and your book will become available for purchase on Amazon. Promote Your Book Publishing your book is just the beginning. To attract readers and build a loyal audience, you need to promote your book. Utilize social media platforms, reach out to book bloggers and reviewers, organize virtual book tours, and consider running Amazon ads to boost visibility. Read more: Ai and Future of Content Writing: Will Artificial Intelligence replace writers? What are the benefits of using Kindle Direct Publishing? Global Reach and Distribution: Through KDP, authors can tap into Amazon's extensive global marketplace, reaching readers in various countries and regions. Control and Flexibility: Authors retain full control over their publishing journey, from pricing to promotional strategies. They can update their books and make changes as needed. Royalties and Earnings: KDP offers competitive royalty rates, allowing authors to earn up to 70% of the list price for each sale, depending on the pricing and distribution options chosen. Publishing Speed: With KDP, authors can publish their books rapidly, making their content available to readers within hours of uploading. Data and Analytics: KDP provides valuable insights into sales data, allowing authors to track book performance and make data-driven decisions. Read more: Free Online Content Writing Courses How Much Can You Earn from Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing? KDP provides a fixed royalty rate of 60% for paperbacks sold on Amazon marketplaces, where they support paperback distribution. This means you will earn 60% of the list price as your royalty. However, your actual earnings are determined by deducting the printing costs from this royalty amount. The printing costs are influenced by various factors such as the trim size, page count, ink type, and the specific Amazon marketplace where your paperback is ordered. You can find more details on calculating printing costs in the provided link. To illustrate this with an example: Let's say your book's list price is $15, and it is a 333-page regular trim size paperback with black ink sold on the US marketplace. The calculation would be: Royalty = (60% x $15) - $5.00 = $4.00. You will earn a $4 royalty per sold book. Conclusion Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) offers a remarkable avenue for writers to fulfill their publishing dreams and reach a vast global audience. By following the step-by-step guide provided, authors can easily navigate the self-publishing process, from creating an account and formatting their manuscript to designing an eye-catching book cover and setting the right price. The benefits of KDP, such as its wide distribution network, author control, competitive royalties, and valuable data insights, make it an attractive choice for both aspiring and established authors.  Read more: How to Transform Your Freelancing Career into a Scalable Business?

TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, Google, Amazon and other Big Tech companies are facing rising pressure from European authorities as London and Brussels advanced new rules Tuesday to curb the power of digital companies. The U.K. government unveiled draft legislation that would give regulators more power to protect consumers from online scams and fake reviews and boost digital competition. Meanwhile, the European Union was set to release a list of the 19 biggest online platforms and search engines that face extra scrutiny and obligations under the 27-nation bloc's landmark digital rules taking effect later this year. Also Read: TikTok attorney: China can’t get U.S. data under plan The updates help solidify Europe’s reputation as the global leader in efforts to rein in the power of social media companies and other digital platforms. Britain's Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers bill proposes giving watchdogs more teeth to draw down the dominance of tech companies, backed by the threat of fines worth up to 10% of their annual revenue. Under the proposals, online platforms and search engines can be required to give rivals access to their data or be more transparent about how their app stores and marketplaces work. The rules would make it illegal to hire someone to write a fake review or allow the posting of online consumer reviews “without taking reasonable steps" to verify they're genuine. They also would make it easier for consumers get out of online subscriptions. The new rules, which still need go through the legislative process and secure parliamentary approval, would apply only to companies with 25 million pounds in global revenue or 1 billion pounds in U.K. revenue. Also Read: Twitter restores blue tick to high-profile accounts with over 1 million followers Also Tuesday, the European Commission, the EU's executive arm, is set to designate 19 of the biggest online platforms or search engines that will have to take extra steps to clean up illegal content and disinformation and keep users safe online. Violations of the bloc’s new Digital Services Act could result in fines worth up to 6% of a company’s annual global revenue — amounting to billions of dollars — or even a ban on operating in the EU. Google, Twitter, TikTok, Apple, Facebook and Instagram have already disclosed that they have more than 45 million users in Europe, putting them over the bloc's threshold.