Consumer Technology Association SmartBrief
Also: RAW ring syncs couple's hearts ... Lyft to update app for seniors
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March 13, 2025
Consumer Technology Association SmartBrief
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Today's Digital Pulse
Amazon to marry Alexa and Rufus features in Alexa+
(Bloomberg/Getty Images)
A patent owned by Amazon focuses on creating a personalized shopping experience through Alexa+, which combines the product intelligence of Rufus with the voice capabilities of Alexa. The system uses users' historical transactions, cart additions and related searches to tailor product recommendations, allowing Alexa to make timely suggestions for appropriate products based on individual lifestyles and preferences.
Full Story: Forbes (tiered subscription model) (3/13) 
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Smart Home
Discovery+ will start running on Max's technical platform, Warner Bros. Discovery announced on March 12. The transition will support enhanced personalization, improved navigation, QR code sign-in and social sharing via mobile.
Full Story: MediaPost Communications (free registration) (3/12) 
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From Blue Chips to Startups
Lyft Silver app tailored to senior riders in the works
(Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
Lyft is set to launch "Lyft Silver," a simplified app version designed for elderly riders, later this year. The app will feature a user-friendly interface, easy access to support, ride detail sharing and digital gift card usage. This move aims to enhance user loyalty and differentiate Lyft from Uber.
Full Story: Yahoo/Bloomberg (3/11) 
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Tech News
The RAW ring, developed by dating app developer RAW and Queens Tech, is designed to track a partner's emotions. The wearable device comes in pairs and uses biosensors to monitor heartbeats, voice and emotional cues, allowing couples to stay connected by sharing emotional states such as stress and arousal.
Full Story: Fast Company (tiered subscription model) (3/12) 
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Retail Trends
Kroger introduces "Barney" for inventory checks
(Bloomberg/Getty Images)
Kroger is testing a robot named "Barney" -- named after Kroger founder Bernard "Barney" Kroger -- to scan shelves for missing items and ensure correct pricing in real-time. The initiative is part of an inventory management pilot program currently in place in 35 stores across Cincinnati and Indianapolis.
Full Story: The Cincinnati Enquirer (tiered subscription model) (3/10) 
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Association News
Podcaster and former talk show host Conan O'Brien graduated from Harvard with a degree in history and literature, but what other Ivy League school awarded him with an honorary Ph.D. in 2011?
VoteBrown
VoteCornell