Consumers love technology but frequently need help getting the most out of it. Best Buy shares plunged by $1bn following the news that Amazon is building a competitor to Best Buy's Geek Squad gadget repair and installation service. Amazon's new services, which are already live in seven US cities, include free 45-minute, in-home consultations about how best to use the Amazon Alexa voice assistant, as well as offering paid installations of “smart home” gadgets like Ecobee thermostats that respond to Alexa voice commands. The services are similar to those that Geek Squad offers. In an interview with CNBC, Bezos said he was not surprised at all by Amazon’s announcement but added that it would be good for both companies.
Best Buy shares plunged by $1bn following the news that Amazon is building a competitor to Best Buy's Geek Squad gadget repair and installation service. Amazon's new services, which are already live in seven US cities, include free 45-minute, in-home consultations about how best to use the Amazon Alexa voice assistant, as well as offering paid installations of “smart home” gadgets like Ecobee thermostats that respond to Alexa voice commands. The services are similar to those that Geek Squad offers. In an interview with CNBC, Bezos said he was not surprised at all by Amazon’s announcement but added that it would be good for both companies.