Amazon shuts down its Glow video-calling device for kids just 6 months after rollout

During its annual hardware event in September of last year, Amazon unveiled a curious-looking device called Amazon Glow, which combined video calling with games. Glow enables kids to play and video chat simultaneously. It also provides interactive entertainment and a video-calling system designed for children to learn, play, and bond with family and friends.

At the starting price of $249.99, Glow was originally only available by invitation, but the retail giant made it available to the wider public in late March. Now, just over six months after its wider rollout, Amazon said it will stop selling the device. The retail giant also confirmed the report to CNBC.

Bloomberg first reported Amazon’s decision to halt sales of Amazon Glow. The move is part of the broader effort as the retail giant curtails spending across the company amid fears of an economic downturn, and slowing retail sales.

In a statement, Amazon spokesperson Tim Gillman said: “At Amazon, we think big, experiment, and invest in new ideas to delight customers. We also continually evaluate the progress and potential of our products to deliver customer value, and we regularly make adjustments based on those assessments. We will be sharing updates and guidance with Glow customers soon.”

As of yesterday evening,  the product page for Glow on Amazon’s website showed the device was “currently unavailable.”