As summer continues to flourish here in Las Vegas, we find ourselves enjoying the outdoors more while still keeping an eye on the latest developments. The innovation engine at Amazon is in full swing, and I have a wealth of updates to share with you today. Let’s explore the latest advancements!
Recent Launches
Here are some noteworthy updates that caught my attention:
- Amazon Redshift – Amazon Redshift ML now offers an integrated connection with Amazon Forecast. Users can now utilize SQL commands like
CREATE MODELto build and train forecasting models using time series data stored in Redshift. These models can be employed to predict revenue, inventory, demand, and more. Additionally, users can define probability metrics for generating forecasts. For more details, check out the What’s New and the Developer’s Guide. - Amazon CodeCatalyst – You can now initiate Amazon CodeCatalyst workflows based on pull request events from linked GitHub repositories. These workflows can execute build, test, and deployment tasks, and can be activated when pull requests are opened, modified, or closed. To find out more, visit Using GitHub Repositories with CodeCatalyst.
- Amazon Lex – The Analytics dashboard on Amazon Lex has been enhanced, allowing users to review data-driven insights to boost bot performance. Users can view key metrics at a glance and dive deeper for more specific information. The dashboard includes conversational flow visualizations to understand how users navigate through intents and allows for qualitative assessments of individual conversations. For additional information, refer to the What’s New and the Analytics Overview.
- Llama 2 Foundation Models – The new Llama 2 foundation models from Meta are now accessible via Amazon SageMaker JumpStart. These models come in three parameter sizes (7B, 13B, and 70B) with both pretrained and fine-tuned options. You can easily deploy and utilize these models in Amazon SageMaker Studio, or access them programmatically using the SageMaker Python SDK (code and docs). For more insights, check out the Llama 2 Foundation Models from Meta are Now Available in Amazon SageMaker JumpStart and the What’s New.
Expansions in AWS Regions
We have expanded existing services and instance types to new AWS Regions:
- AWS Supply Chain is now available in Asia Pacific (Sydney) and Europe (Ireland).
- EC2 X2idn Instances can now be accessed in the Middle East (UAE).
- EC2 C6in Instances have been added in Europe (Paris) and the Middle East (UAE).
- AWS Elemental MediaPackage is now available in Canada (Central).
For a comprehensive list of AWS announcements, be sure to visit the What’s New at AWS page.
Other AWS Updates
Here are some additional blog posts and news items that may pique your interest:
- AWS Open Source News and Updates – My colleague Alex recently published the latest edition of the AWS Open Source Newsletter, which is always packed with valuable information.
- CodeWhisperer in Action – My peer Lisa shared an insightful article on how to Reimagine Software Development With CodeWhisperer as Your AI Coding Companion.
- AWS Blog Survey – If you’ve made it this far, we encourage you to participate in the AWS Blog Customer Survey. Your feedback will help us enhance your experience with this blog. This survey is conducted by an external entity, so please note that the link will not direct you to our website. AWS values your privacy as outlined in the AWS Privacy Notice.
- CDK Integration Tests – The AWS Application Management Blog has published a guide on How to Write and Execute Integration Tests for AWS CDK Applications.
- Event-Driven Architectures – The AWS Architecture Blog shared Best Practices for Implementing Event-Driven Architectures in Your Organization.
- Amazon Connect – The AWS Contact Center Blog detailed how to Manage Prompts Programmatically with Amazon Connect.
- Rodent Analysis – The AWS Machine Learning Blog provided insights on how to Analyze Rodent Infestation Using Amazon SageMaker Geospatial Capabilities.
- Secrets Migration – The AWS Security Blog released a two-part series discussing the migration of your secrets to AWS Secrets Manager (Part 1: Discovery and Design, Part 2: Implementation).
Upcoming AWS Events
Mark your calendars and register for these important AWS events:
- AWS Storage Day – Join us virtually on August 9th to learn about AI/ML preparation, holistic data protection, and optimizing storage costs for on-premises and cloud data. Register now.
- AWS Global Summits – Attend the upcoming AWS Summits in New York (July 26), Taiwan (August 2 & 3), São Paulo (August 3), and Mexico City (August 30).
- AWS Community Days – Join the upcoming AWS Community Days in The Philippines (July 29-30), Colombia (August 12), and West Africa (August 19).
- re:Invent – Don’t miss out—register now for re:Invent 2023 in Las Vegas (November 27 to December 1).
Conclusion
That wraps up this week’s updates. I’ll be back with more news this coming Friday on AWS on Air—tune in and feel free to say hello! For additional insights, this is another blog post to keep you engaged.
— Sarah

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