Amazon redesigns Kindle app

You might have noticed a new look to Amazon’s Kindle app. If you haven’t, well, we’re bringing your attention to it. The app from the icon to its user interface has a newer, sleeker look. There are new things like larger book covers, new fonts, as well as a new light or dark background theme options. The bottom bar has been revamped too to show what book you’re currently reading, making it easier to go back to what you’ve been reading at any time. It also shows you Kindle’s more popular features like Home, Library, Store, and more. Search is also easier with the revamped app as it appears everywhere within the app. The redesign is available for both iOS and Android.

Amazon Studios cuts ties with Weinstein Company

After reports that detailed sexual harassment and abuse by Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein surfaced, Amazon Studios decided it no longer wanted to work with Weinstein’s studio. The studio has even cancelled a two-season mafia crime television drama from Silver Linings Playbook director David O. Russell, which had Weinstein as an executive producer. It was set to star heavy names in the industry like Robert De Niro, Julianne Moore, and Michael Shannon. The stars released a statement claiming they supported Amazon’s decision even as the cancellation comes at a high price—with a budget of US$160 million for both seasons.

One other production Weinstein co-produced will be pushing through but without the Weinstein Company’s support. This is from Mad Men’s creator Matthew Weiner and is called The Romanoffs. Amazon makes this move following the suspension of its studio head, Roy Price, who is also being accused of sexual harassment.

Source: The Verge

Here’s your first look at season 2 of ‘The Grand Tour’

Can’t get enough of your favorite motoring journalists/crazy hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May? The second season of The Grand Tour is coming back soon and we got our first look at the newest adventures of these three men. We get to see them explore the mountain ranges in Colorado, get stuck in the mud in Mozambique, and wreak havoc in Dubai, among many others. You can see the new photos below, which are also part of a new book called The Grand Tour Guide to the World. The book is coming out at the end of the month from Harper Collins and is priced at CA$39.99.

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Amazon outs new Echo models

Amazon continues to buckle down on its Echo line and adds four new options for consumers to choose from. The first one is a new take to the original Amazon Echo. This time, it takes the fight to Google Home with swappable cloth or other shells that can wrap around the metal body of the Echo. It’s said to offer better sound with Dolby Audio support. It also has a dedicated bass tweeter and can handle audio playback across multiple rooms, putting it up against Sonos. It retails for US$99 (approx. CA$125).

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