Category Archives: technology

business, china, economy, investing, technology

Is Alibaba Stock a Safe Buy Now?

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Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE: BABA) has been a focal point for investors looking to capitalize on China’s burgeoning e-commerce market. However, recent years have seen a roller-coaster ride for the stock, driven by regulatory crackdowns and economic uncertainties in China. The question for investors now is whether Alibaba represents a safe investment opportunity or if caution is still warranted.

Alibaba’s financial performance has shown resilience despite external pressures. The company reported strong revenue growth driven by its core commerce segment and cloud computing services. These sectors remain Alibaba’s backbone, contributing significantly to its financial health. Moreover, Alibaba’s international commerce and digital media segments are gaining traction, promising further diversification.

Regulatory challenges remain a significant concern. The Chinese government’s increased scrutiny over technology companies has led to hefty fines and operational adjustments for Alibaba. These regulatory measures are part of China’s broader goal to control the tech sector’s influence and ensure data security. However, Alibaba’s proactive compliance and cooperation with authorities may mitigate long-term impacts and restore investor confidence.

The global economic landscape also impacts Alibaba’s prospects. China’s economic slowdown and trade tensions with the United States have introduced volatility in the market. As a result, Alibaba’s international expansion efforts become critical. By strengthening its presence in Southeast Asia and Europe, Alibaba aims to reduce reliance on the domestic market and tap into new growth avenues.

Investor sentiment is gradually recovering as Alibaba demonstrates adaptability and strategic foresight. The company’s innovation in cloud technology and artificial intelligence positions it well for future growth. Moreover, Alibaba’s focus on sustainability and social responsibility aligns with global trends, potentially attracting ESG-conscious investors.

In conclusion, while challenges persist, Alibaba’s comprehensive strategy and financial robustness make it a compelling option for investors with a high-risk tolerance. Those considering Alibaba should weigh the potential for significant returns against the backdrop of regulatory and economic uncertainties.

*Footnotes:*
*Featured Image: DepositPhotos @ Iurii*
https://pressreach.com/investing-news/is-alibaba-stock-a-safe-buy-now/

agriculture, business, environment, society, technology

24-Year-Old Entrepreneur Pioneers Goat Grazing Business

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In Yugawara, Kanagawa Prefecture, goats eagerly graze at a farm established by Yota Maeda, the head of Tokyo-based startup Mujou. Maeda, who launched a funeral services business while still at university, opened the goat farm in 2024. His latest venture offers goat grazing services as an alternative to conventional weeding methods.

Unlike machines, the goats consume the grass directly, eliminating the need for herbicides or the burning of clippings. “Their bleating is not particularly disruptive, and the animals don’t produce a strong odor,” Maeda said.

Contracts have already been signed with both businesses and individuals. One notable client is a large clinical testing facility capable of processing hundreds of thousands of samples daily, thanks to advanced automation and AI systems. The company introduced goats into its courtyard on a trial basis, allowing them to handle grass management.

“They work tirelessly from morning onward,” said Sakuya Odashima from H.U. Group Holdings’ HR and General Affairs Services Division. Employees also report feeling refreshed by the presence of the goats, with some noting how their greetings at the end of the day boost morale.

Behind Maeda’s project is a strong awareness of broader national issues, particularly the spread of abandoned farmland. By deploying goats, unused land can be restored, which may also help deter wild animal intrusions.

“In an era of population decline, we can’t maintain everything perfectly, but by leaving animals to graze, the land doesn’t lose its potential. We’re preserving it in a usable state,” Maeda explained.

Goat droppings naturally decompose, and Maeda is considering ways to repurpose them as fire starters, aiming to expand the scope of the business further.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147049.php

artificial intelligence, company, consumer electronics, products, technology

Amazon’s hardware event on September 30: What to expect

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**Amazon’s Hardware Event on September 30: What to Expect**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | September 28, 2025, 03:12 PM*

Amazon has officially announced its fall hardware event, scheduled for September 30. The tech giant is expected to unveil a variety of new products, including updated Echo speakers, a color version of the Kindle Scribe, and revamped TVs. This event marks one of the first major product showcases under Panos Panay, who joined Amazon in 2023 after leading Microsoft’s Surface division.

### New Echo Speakers Likely

The invitation for Amazon’s event prominently features the familiar blue Echo ring, hinting at new Echo hardware announcements. The standard Echo speaker hasn’t been updated since 2020, so a refresh is well overdue. Additionally, there are rumors about an upgrade to the Echo Studio, which was last refreshed in 2023.

If you’re planning to purchase an Echo speaker, it might be worth waiting a week to see what Amazon has in store.

### Kindle Updates: Color Kindle Scribe and Smaller Kindle

One of the teaser images for the event strongly hints at a color Kindle logo, accompanied by a cryptic mention of the “stroke of a pen.” This has sparked speculation about a color version of the Kindle Scribe — Amazon’s E Ink tablet that supports stylus input.

There are also rumors about a smaller Kindle model, possibly called the Kindle Petit Color, which is expected to deliver improved color performance compared to last year’s Colorsoft Kindle.

### Tech Advancements: Vega OS and Alexa Plus

The event invitation also features what appears to be a TV, fueling speculation about new Fire TV hardware. However, the bigger highlight might be the anticipated unveiling of Vega OS — a new operating system Amazon has been developing as a potential replacement for the Android-based Fire TV platform.

If these rumors hold true, this event will offer the public its first real glimpse of Vega OS running on TVs.

Additionally, Amazon may share updates on Alexa Plus, its next-generation AI assistant designed to compete with Google Gemini and OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

—

Stay tuned for Amazon’s hardware event on September 30 for all the latest announcements and product launches.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/everything-we-know-about-amazon-s-upcoming-hardware-event/story

academia, artificial intelligence, business, education, technology

Most B-school faculty in India lack AI expertise: Survey

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**Most B-school Faculty in India Lack AI Expertise: Survey**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 28, 2025, 04:49 PM*

A recent survey conducted by MBAUniverse.com has revealed that while Indian business schools are rapidly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the majority of faculty members still lack the necessary expertise to effectively utilize these tools.

The study surveyed 235 educators from prestigious institutions such as IIMs, IITs, ISB, XLRI, and SPJIMR. It found that only 7% of these educators consider themselves expert users of AI tools.

### Growing Acceptance of AI in Academia

Despite the low level of expertise, the survey highlighted a positive shift in attitudes towards AI. About 51% of faculty members expressed confidence in the positive impact of AI adoption on business school students. More than half anticipate an increased role for AI in teaching, curriculum design, and research over the next year. This shows a growing acceptance and readiness for deeper integration of AI into academic processes.

### Application Areas: Transformative Potential of AI in Management Education

According to the survey, faculty are primarily using AI for research and teaching purposes. However, AI’s role in curriculum development is also steadily increasing. Administrative tasks and student assessment are emerging areas for AI application, indicating opportunities for structured support and capacity-building programs.

This highlights AI’s potential to transform multiple aspects of management education beyond just classroom teaching.

### Faculty Perceptions and Tool Preferences

The survey also explored faculty perceptions regarding AI’s impact on student learning, skill development, and classroom engagement. It assessed the tools, training, and policy guidance educators consider most important for responsible AI adoption.

Notably, ChatGPT emerged as the most relevant AI tool for teaching-related activities among faculty members.

### Challenges and Concerns in AI Adoption

While many faculty members viewed AI’s impact on student learning positively, 21% felt it was too early to determine its effects. Meanwhile, 18% perceived an unfavorable impact, and nearly 10% reported no significant changes.

The main challenges cited in using generative AI for research included ethical concerns, followed by issues related to inaccuracies, unreliable outputs, and a lack of regulatory policies.

—

The survey underscores the urgent need for capacity building and policy frameworks to equip business school faculty with the skills and guidelines necessary to harness AI’s full potential responsibly and effectively.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/ai-adoption-among-indian-b-school-faculty-what-we-know/story

business, finance, market, real estate, technology

WeWork India to launch ₹3,000cr IPO on October 3

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**WeWork India to Launch ₹3,000 Crore IPO on October 3**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | September 28, 2025, 03:12 PM*

WeWork India, a leading player in the co-working space, is all set to launch its initial public offering (IPO) on October 3, 2025. The IPO is estimated to be worth around ₹3,000 crore. According to the red herring prospectus (RHP), bidding for anchor investors will open on October 1 for one day, and the IPO will close on October 7.

### Share Details and Offer for Sale (OFS)

The upcoming IPO from WeWork India is structured as an Offer for Sale (OFS) of up to 4.63 crore equity shares. The shares will be sold by Embassy Buildcon LLP, a promoter group firm, and Ariel Way Tenant Ltd, a subsidiary of WeWork Global. Since this is an OFS, WeWork India itself will not receive any proceeds from the listing.

### About WeWork India

Established in 2017, WeWork India operates under an exclusive license of the global ‘WeWork’ brand. The company is promoted by the Bengaluru-based real estate giant Embassy Group, which currently holds about 76.21% stake in WeWork India. WeWork Global owns the remaining 23.45%.

WeWork India operates across major Tier-1 cities, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad, among others.

### Business Scale and Operations

WeWork India manages an extensive portfolio of over 77 lakh sq ft of commercial space, with 70 lakh sq ft currently operational. The company offers a desk capacity of more than 1.03 lakh and employs over 500 people nationwide.

In January 2024, WeWork India raised ₹500 crore through a rights issue aimed primarily at reducing debt and supporting its growth plans.

### Market Entry and IPO Goals

The company’s plan to list its equity shares on the stock exchanges in early October is intended to enhance its market visibility, provide liquidity to existing shareholders, and establish a public market for its shares in India.

With the IPO opening on October 3 and closing on October 7, WeWork India is expected to make its stock market debut by October 10.

—

Stay tuned for more updates on WeWork India’s IPO and its journey in the listed space.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/everything-we-know-about-wework-india-s-ipo/story

business, consumer goods, healthcare, investment, technology

1,869% rally in 5 years! Do you own this stock?

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**1,869% Rally in 5 Years! Do You Own This Stock?**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 28, 2025, 04:49 PM*

**What’s the Story?**
Cupid Limited has delivered stellar returns of over 244% in just six months and an astounding 1,869% over five years. This remarkable performance is expected to draw heightened interest in the upcoming Monday trading session.

Aditya Kumar Halwasiya, the company’s Chairman and Managing Director, recently announced that Q2 FY26 is set to be the best quarter in Cupid’s history. This optimistic outlook is driven by new product launches, accelerating momentum in the FMCG vertical, and a strong pipeline of institutional orders.

**Financial Growth**
Cupid Limited reported a total income of ₹203.18 crore during the financial year, with a net profit of ₹40.89 crore. The company has witnessed rapid growth in its B2C FMCG segment, generating over ₹50 crore in revenue within just one year. This success is attributed to a vast distribution network spanning 1.2 lakh retail outlets across India, enabling robust consumer connections and expanding market presence.

**Strategic Shift**
Halwasiya’s Vision for Cupid’s Future
Halwasiya emphasized Cupid’s transformation from a contraceptive company to a consumer wellness and health-tech leader. He highlighted the company’s focus on sustainable growth, global expansion, and innovation—all while ensuring that personal care and preventive healthcare remain accessible to everyone.

This strategic shift, coupled with solid financials and expanding market reach, positions Cupid Limited as a compelling stock to watch closely in the coming quarters.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/cupid-limited-to-report-best-ever-quarter-stock-up-244/story

cryptocurrency, scams, security, technology, training

Free Bitcoin? Here’s the truth about crypto faucets

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Free Bitcoin? That’s the Bait

Crypto faucets promise drips of Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other tokens for clicking ads, solving captchas, or filling out surveys. The pitch is simple: do a task, get a payout, no credit card needed. For rookies, it sounds like a harmless on-ramp. No wire transfers. No charts. Just easy money.

Here’s the truth. Most faucets are gimmicks. Some are outright scams. And the time tax is brutal. That doesn’t make them worthless. Faucets can be a low-stakes sandbox to learn how a wallet works and what a blockchain transaction looks like. If you keep your guard up, they’re training wheels and nothing more.

And if you claim anything, you’ll still need a safe place to stash it. That’s where a one-stop app like Best Wallet earns its keep. It supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, and testnet tokens, flags sketchy links before you click, and keeps tiny balances from vanishing in the shuffle.

What Is A Crypto Faucet?

Think of a faucet like a digital water dispenser. Instead of H2O, you get drops of crypto. Crypto faucets are websites or platforms that give away free tokens or coins using only an address, explained Eugene Ryan, founder of Generative Space. It’s one way of learning how to use crypto with little to no risk.

It is also sometimes used by testnets of blockchains to test transactions between wallets.

The origin story is legendary. Back in 2010, Bitcoin pioneer Gavin Andresen launched a faucet that handed out coins worth pennies. Today, those coins are worth a fortune.

“There used to be faucets that gave five Bitcoin to every solved captcha,” recalled Arjun Vijay of Giottus Technologies. Later, when projects like Ethereum came up, faucets were used to distribute testnet ETH for developers.

That gold rush ended years ago. Payouts shrank. Hype didn’t. “They’re like a digital water dispenser that gives out tiny fractions of a cent in crypto,” said Prashant Tiwari, founder of vhindi.com.

The bombastic claims of easy money often hide the real cost: people spend hours on them only to earn less than a dollar.

Faucets still matter for builders. Testnet faucets such as Goerli are essential for shipping code without spending real money. For regular users, they’re a demo booth, not a paycheck.

The Problems With Crypto Faucets

Short answer: they’re risky, annoying, and rarely worth the clock time.

  • Extremely low payouts. You’re earning fractions of a cent.
  • High withdrawal limits. Many sites force you to collect for days before you can cash out.
  • Ads, spam, and pop-ups. The clutter is nonstop.
  • High transaction fees. You might spend more in gas than you’ll ever claim.
  • Security risks. Malware, phishing links, and shady in-house wallets that hold your coins.
  • Scams and non-payments. Faucet sites disappear or never pay.

“Faucet sites get hacked, or in many cases just up and disappear,” said Steve Morris, CEO of Newmedia.com. “I’ve seen people lose everything from a few Satoshi to five figures when the faucet site or wallet system just went dark with no warning.”

Tiwari put it bluntly: “Safety is a big concern. The real risk comes from the company they keep, the shady ads, phishing scams, and malware they often expose you to.”

Ryan’s advice is even simpler: Only use a newly created wallet and never share any password or personal information on these websites. If any platform feels shady, proceed with caution or don’t access it at all.

That’s why a beginner-friendly wallet like Best Wallet makes sense here. It filters out suspicious sites, translates approvals into plain English, and keeps faucet payouts visible in your portfolio so you don’t lose track.

Where To Find Crypto Faucets And How They Work

Faucets used to hand out real Bitcoin. Now most legitimate ones are testnet-based. Ethereum’s Goerli faucet, for example, hands out valueless ETH so devs can simulate transactions without spending money.

For a casual user chasing free Bitcoin, a faucet is just an app demo. Here’s how the workflow looks:

  1. Sign up at a faucet site
  2. Provide your Best Wallet address (instant setup, low-fee transfers)
  3. Complete a captcha or task
  4. Receive funds directly into your wallet

Best Wallet makes this flow easier by generating addresses in seconds, storing them securely, and routing tokens straight into your account. No in-house wallet, no lockups, no waiting for withdrawals.

Reputable aggregators like CoinMarketCap maintain faucet lists. But even then, proceed with caution. If you can’t verify on-chain payouts or a site asks for personal details, walk away.

How To Claim And Store Faucet Rewards

If a friend asked how to dabble without getting torched, the checklist would start here:

  • Pick carefully. Best crypto faucet listicles are breadcrumbs, not gospel. Look for payout transparency and verifiable hashes.
  • Expect crumbs. The value is in the lesson, not the earnings. You’ll learn how addresses, fees, and block explorers work.
  • Avoid faucet custody. As Morris warned, these sites can disappear overnight.
  • Use a burner wallet. Never type your seed phrase into a faucet. Never sign approvals you don’t understand.
  • Sweep to safety. Always move balances into a wallet you control. This is where Best Wallet shines. Create a labeled sub-wallet like Faucet-Burner, sweep claims there, and keep tokens separate from savings.

The app’s scam filter flags risky approvals, the token scanner helps track dust amounts, and the watchlist ensures nothing slips into oblivion.

Are Crypto Faucets Worth Your Time?

Only if you treat them like practice. Faucets teach muscle memory: how to copy an address without error, confirm a network fee, or follow a transaction from pending to confirmed. That’s valuable training.

As a money strategy, they flop. Rewards are microscopic, the time sink is real, and the security risk is constant.

If you still want to try them, use a fresh burner wallet for claims, withdraw immediately, and stash anything you keep in Best Wallet.

Download Best Wallet to protect funds, organize sub-wallets, and lean on the built-in scam filter before signing any approvals.

FAQ: Crypto Faucets

Are faucet rewards taxable?

Yes. Even tiny payouts count as income in most jurisdictions. Keep records.

What networks have the cheapest faucet payouts?

Polygon, Solana, and other low-fee chains are popular for testnet faucets.

Can I use faucets from my country/state?

It depends. Some faucets block IPs from certain regions. Always check terms.

Quick Guide: How to Use Crypto Faucets with Best Wallet

  1. Get Best Wallet
    Download the Best Wallet app from the App Store or Google Play. It’s your safe hub for faucet drips and real holdings.
  2. Copy your wallet address
    Open Best Wallet, pick the right network (Polygon or Solana for lower fees), and copy your receiving address.
  3. Find a trusted faucet
    Choose a reputable site, paste in your Best Wallet address, and claim the free reward. Skip anything that asks for passwords or personal details.
  4. Receive funds instantly
    The faucet payout goes straight to your Best Wallet—no waiting, no shady in-house balances.
  5. Swap or manage rewards
    Use Best Wallet’s built-in swap and portfolio tools to convert, track, or bridge tiny faucet tokens into the crypto you actually want.

Bottom Line

Crypto faucets dangle free Bitcoin, but the real product is a tutorial. You’ll get a handful of satoshis or a splash of ETH and a crash course in wallet hygiene.

Used smartly, they’re a safe way to practice. Used blindly, they’re a funnel into scams, spam, and vanishing balances.

Keep your expectations low. Keep your security high. Claim with a burner, sweep to a wallet you control, and never trust a faucet to hold your coins.

When you’re ready to move beyond drips, make Best Wallet your hub. It cuts through the noise so you can focus on building the right habits—and keeping what’s yours.

https://nypost.com/business/crypto-faucets-free-bitcoin-guide/

business, government, politics, security, technology

Meet Lisa Monaco, Microsoft executive Trump wants to see fired

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**Meet Lisa Monaco, Microsoft Executive Trump Wants Fired**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 27, 2025, 11:36 AM*

**What’s the Story?**

US President Donald Trump has called on Microsoft to fire its head of global affairs, Lisa Monaco. Trump accused Monaco of being a “menace” to national security and linked his demand to ongoing legal cases against him.

Lisa Monaco was appointed as Microsoft’s head of global affairs in June 2025. Prior to this role, she served prominently in the Barack Obama and Joe Biden administrations.

**Accusations: ‘Corrupt and Totally Trump Deranged’**

In a post on Truth Social, Trump described Monaco as “corrupt and totally Trump deranged.” He argued that her previous government roles posed national security risks due to Microsoft’s extensive contracts with US government agencies.

Furthermore, Trump alleged that Monaco’s past actions led to the US government stripping her of all security clearances and access to national security intelligence.

**Background: A Look at Lisa Monaco**

Lisa Monaco has a notable career in public service. She served as Deputy Attorney General under President Biden and was a national security advisor during the Obama administration. She also played a key role in coordinating the Justice Department’s response to the January 6 Capitol attack.

Trump’s demand for her dismissal is consistent with his history of targeting perceived political opponents since returning to office in January 2025. His previous pressure campaigns include demanding the resignation of Intel’s CEO and influencing Disney’s ABC regarding Jimmy Kimmel’s show.

**Ongoing Scrutiny: Microsoft’s Contracts Under Review**

Lisa Monaco’s LinkedIn profile confirms her current position at Microsoft. However, as of now, there is no public indication that Microsoft will respond to Trump’s demand for her removal.

Microsoft itself is under intense scrutiny due to its contracts with US government agencies. The company recently made headlines for restricting certain cloud services to a unit of the Israeli military following concerns about alleged surveillance practices.

Meanwhile, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently attended a White House dinner featuring Trump and other leading figures in the tech industry, highlighting the complex relationship between tech companies and government officials.

—

*Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/trump-demands-microsoft-fire-global-affairs-head/story

artificial intelligence, business, consumer electronics, software development, technology

Apple is using ChatGPT-like app to test new Siri features

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**Apple is Using ChatGPT-like App to Test New Siri Features**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 27, 2025, 01:21 PM*

Apple is reportedly testing a ChatGPT-style app, internally known as “Veritas,” as part of its ambitious plan to revamp Siri, according to Bloomberg. The tech giant aims to enhance its voice assistant’s capabilities to handle more complex tasks and provide a more intuitive user experience.

### Internal Testing with Veritas

The Veritas app—named after the Latin word for “truth”—is being developed by Apple’s AI division to experiment with new Siri features. Among its capabilities, Veritas can search through personal data such as songs and emails, as well as perform in-app actions like editing photos.

Much like other popular AI chatbots, Veritas allows users to manage multiple conversations simultaneously, reference previous chats, and engage in extended back-and-forth exchanges. This multi-turn conversational ability marks a significant upgrade from current voice assistant functionalities.

### Introducing the New ‘Linwood’ System

In addition to testing new features, Veritas is also being used to evaluate a new underlying system called “Linwood.” This innovative system combines Apple’s in-house large language models with third-party AI models to create a more powerful and responsive assistant.

Currently, Apple does not plan to release the Veritas app publicly. However, its development highlights the company’s serious commitment to advancing artificial intelligence technologies.

### Delayed Launch for New Siri

Apple initially aimed to launch the revamped Siri in spring 2025. However, technical challenges have delayed the release. Some features reportedly experienced failure rates of up to one-third during internal testing.

The updated Siri is now expected to debut as early as March 2026. Once released, it is anticipated to perform tasks beyond the current assistant’s scope, such as interacting with on-screen content and facilitating smoother navigation across Apple devices.

### Leadership Changes Amid AI Overhaul

Apple’s AI division has seen significant leadership shifts amid this overhaul. John Giannandrea, who previously led the company’s AI efforts, was sidelined earlier this year. Additionally, Robby Walker—former head of Siri—is set to leave Apple in October.

Walker’s newly formed AKI (Answers, Knowledge, and Information) team is now spearheading the effort to integrate AI-driven search into the next-generation Siri, signaling a fresh direction for Apple’s voice assistant strategy.

—

Apple’s continued investment in AI and voice assistant technology reflects CEO Tim Cook’s push for the company to excel in this rapidly evolving field. With innovations like Veritas and Linwood, Apple hopes to redefine how users interact with their devices in the near future.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/apple-using-chatgpt-style-app-to-test-next-gen-siri/story

business, consumer, public, retail, technology

Farewell Amazon Fresh: the no tills thing was all a bit too awkward | Jason Okundaye

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Amazon Fresh, the till-free grocery shop that uses just walk-out technology, is closing all 19 of its stores in London, just under five years after opening its first outlet. If that sounds weird and disorienting, then I can assure you, having visited an outlet out of pure curiosity and having left distressed, it truly is.

Among the reasons given for the venture’s failure—ranging from location choices to struggling to differentiate itself in the market—one financial analyst suggested that till-less technology always felt a little awkward. When I visited, I wasn’t totally clear on how to get in or, frankly, how to get out.

A sense of panic overwhelmed me as I wondered if the sensors would process me changing my mind about an item and putting it back on the shelf, or charge me for it. Would I be prosecuted if, say, a large box of cereal blocked the sight of a tin of sardines and thus escaped the sensors? Of course, every store has CCTV equipment, but the idea that sensors and cameras could be connected to my phone and track every item I touched felt like big tech overreach—surveillance on steroids.

The fact that you could just walk out of a shop without pressing pay seemed strangely incongruous with the direction of other grocery stores. Around two years ago, the big Sainsbury’s down the road installed scan-receipt-to-exit barriers, a technology I first saw in Paris and has since been rolled out to many other big supermarkets. It is truly a nightmare.

Not only does it feel like you’re going through an airport when you’re just picking up a meal deal, but the scanner is repeatedly faulty, often resulting in a pile-up of people trying to exit. Then, there is the failure of self-scan checkouts. These tills were meant to save time, but that possibility immediately collapses once there’s an unidentified item in the bagging area or the overwhelmed shop assistant has to approve someone’s age.

You might then think the idea of a till-free checkout would be a relief. But if anything, when you’re made to feel so distrusted and burdened by inconvenience, it feels far more like a setup. No till? Surely someone is waiting on the other side ready to bundle me into a police van over an unscanned pot of pesto pasta.

Mostly though, the failure of Amazon Fresh reveals that we are simply not ready for technology like this. It is the kind of futuristic development that you might have imagined would totally change the face of high street shopping, but shoppers have roundly rejected it. Like our reluctance to take up self-driving cars, it’s about a lack of trust in being totally at the whim of technology.

Some stores have been able to win over the public. The Japanese casual wear brand Uniqlo’s self-checkout technology is pretty frictionless and genuinely loved. But even then, as a frequent Uniqlo shopper, while the convenience is nice, it makes me feel strangely isolated.

We need, and maybe even like, other people. Whether it’s grocery or clothes shopping, having a little chat or a flirt with a store assistant makes the experience. Recently, after a frustrating and failed attempt to find a suit for a wedding, I soothed myself by spending far too much money on a lovely knitted jumper at Drakes on Savile Row. The shop assistant told me I looked good in it and, seeing how flustered I was, offered me an espresso. For that alone, I’ll be back to blow more of my money.

Of course, I don’t expect that treatment on the high street or in a grocery store, but I do find myself missing the small comments of “I love these crisps, my favourite” at a supermarket till. And queueing, though I’ll rue saying this during the post-work rush, is not all bad. One of my favourite things to do in a supermarket queue is peer into other shoppers’ baskets to make a guess about what kind of evening they’re having or what kind of life they live.

If you can simply walk out, you might save some time, but you’ll learn less about the people around you—while a computer gets to know it all.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/sep/27/amazon-fresh-store-closing-technology-shopping