Amazon shuts down fertility monitoring project
Amazon has reportedly shut down a 4-year-old secret program working on a fertility monitoring device and accompanying smartphone app, known as “Encore.” This project stemmed from Amazon’s acquisition of startup bluDiagnostics in 2020, which was developing a device to measure hormone levels related to fertility in women.
Technical challenges lead to closure
Despite plans to release the product this year, Amazon faced technical hurdles with the project. The team of around 100 people working on Encore, as part of Amazon’s Grand Challenge initiative, encountered difficulties that ultimately led to its closure. This initiative is known for tackling ambitious projects such as cancer research.
Under the leadership of CEO Andy Jassy, who has been focused on cost-cutting measures since 2022, Amazon has made the decision to discontinue several experimental projects, including the fertility monitoring device, an AR headset for meetings, and a virtual tour product.
