Amazon has reportedly shut down a 4-year-old secret program, codenamed "Encore", which aimed to develop a fertility monitoring device and accompanying smartphone app. The project, which originated from Amazon's 2020 acquisition of startup bluDiagnostics, was meant to measure hormone levels from saliva samples to track fertility in women.

The team of around 100 people working on the project faced technical challenges, leading to its cancellation. Encore was part of Amazon's Grand Challenge initiative, a secretive lab focused on bold and innovative projects, including cancer research.

The shutdown is seen as part of Amazon's cost-cutting measures, led by CEO Andy Jassy, who has been streamlining the company's operations since 2022. This move follows the elimination of 27,000 jobs and the cancellation of other experimental projects, including an AR headset for meetings and a virtual tour product.