Amazon lets every Alexa developer offer in-skill purchases

Now that it’s easier to ask Amazon’s Alexa follow-up questions, it’s only natural that its shopping options are getting a boost. Soon you’ll be able to ask Alexa to buy even more things, as Amazon opened up in-skill purchasing to all developers today. While some microtransaction applications are obvious — buying items in games, for example — others could be upgrading from a free to a paid tier or, heck, simply browsing goods.

In-skill purchasing was first announced back in November but only available for a few game publishers like Jeopardy! and The Ellen’s Show’s Heads Up, along with limited options in Best Buy’s application. Once developers set it up within their skill, they select what products and prices for customers to sift through — and if they see something they like, pay for it using their Amazon account’s payment information. Then Amazon handles the buying process.

Amazon is also requiring that developers’ in-skill purchases have bonuses for Prime members like discounts, exclusive content or early access, according to TechCrunch. Developers get 70 percent of the list price before discounts are considered.

Source: TechCrunch

Case Company LifeProof Debuts New Line of Rugged Backpacks

LifeProof, known for its range of ultra protective and waterproof cases for iOS devices, today announced the launch of a new lineup of rugged, high-capacity backpacks.

LifeProof is debuting four different backpacks with prices that range from $99.99 to $179.99, called the Quito, Squamish, Goa, and Squamish XL.

According to LifeProof, all of the backpacks are made from a water-repellent Cordura fabric with weather-lined tech pockets that include a headphone passthrough option, a 3L hydration reservoir, tie-downs for expanded storage, and chest straps for comfort purposes. Each pack is available in three colors: gray, black, and red.

The Quito, priced at $99.99, is the smallest of the four packs with an 18-liter capacity. It does not feature a dedicated laptop compartment, but it does hold 3L of liquid and it comes with interior pockets for organizing accessories.

Priced at $139.99, the Squamish is slightly larger than the Quito at 20 liters. It has all of the same features, but also includes a weather-resistant 13-inch laptop pocket, an expandable front pocket, dual water bottle pockets, and a side stash pocket.

The Goa, priced at $159.99, holds up to 22 liters of gear. It has a 15-inch weather resistant laptop pocket along with the same 3L hydration reservoir pocket available in the other packs, four weather-resistant tech pockets, interior gear organizing pockets, and more.

The Squamish XL, priced at $179.99, is the largest of the four packs with a 32-liter capacity. It is similar to the standard Squamish, but features a 15-inch laptop pocket, a bottom compartment for extra storage, and load-lifter shoulder straps.

LifeProof will provide more information on its backpacks in the near future, and interested customers can sign up to receive details on the LifeProof website.

Tag: LifeProof
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