GM-backed startup shows off electric pontoon boat

Is this new boat the talk of the lake? The Pure Pontoon by Seattle-based Pure Watercraft just might be, if only because its whisper-quiet electric motors make it easy to hold a conversation during a cruise. General Motors is backing the startup, which aims to disrupt the traditional gas-powered boating industry. GeekWire took a ride on Lake Washington — see the story and photos.

Halo, goodbye: Amazon is pulling the plug on its Halo wearable fitness device and bedside sleep tracker. The surprise move has GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop looking for alternatives. 

Amazon reports earnings Thursday afternoon. Analysts will be closely monitoring the company’s cloud computing business, as well as any impact from its recent layoffs. Check back on GeekWire later today for updates. 

Internal FAQ on Amazon’s back-to-office policy: The wide range of topics in an employee FAQ, obtained by GeekWire, illustrates the challenges that Amazon and others face as they bring workers back to the office. Read more. 

Related: ‘Some people will quit over this decision’ — read Redfin CEO’s memo on back-to-office mandate.

Vote for Hardware/Gadget of the Year. This year’s finalists at the GeekWire Awards range from weed-zapping robots to food preserving containers. Cast your vote here. 

“Probably the darkest day in our four decades in Britain.” Microsoft President Brad Smith didn’t mince words in response to UK regulators blocking the company’s bid to buy Activision, telling BBC that the move was “bad for Britain.” 

Rad Power Bikes laid off employees for the fourth time in the past year as the Seattle-based e-bike maker said economic realities forced the company to further reduce its workforce.

Hot links:

• NFL Draft advantage? The Seattle Seahawks have big decisions to make today, and a crystal ball won’t help. The team is using cloud tech to get an edge. (AWS Blog)

• AI avatar: It’s one thing to carry on a realistic conversation with a new-and-improved chatbot. Here’s what it looks like with a face added to the experience. (Twitter)