Amazon’s October Prime Day event always serves as a bellwether for tech consumer behavior, but 2025’s top sellers tell a particularly revealing story. Based on aggregated, anonymized purchase data from ZDNET readers during the first day of sales, five products emerged as clear favorites—and the leader is a surprisingly specialized tool. This surge in niche devices underscores broader shifts toward practical, safety-focused, and distraction-free technology.

1. 1080p HD Ear Camera for Apple and Android | $15

Despite not being a Prime Day discount item, this gadget claimed the top spot. ZDNET’s Adrian Kingsley-Hughes validated its utility, noting its ability to transform smartphones into diagnostic tools for ear health or intricate inspections. Its popularity highlights a growing appetite for affordable, specialized hardware that empowers users beyond typical consumer apps—a win for accessibility-focused developers.

2. Ting Fire Sensor | $80 (Save $19)

Article illustration 1

Ting Fire Sensor: AI-driven prevention without subscriptions. (Source: ZDNET)
This sensor leverages machine learning to detect electrical fire risks by analyzing home electrical noise patterns, requiring no installation. As ZDNET’s Maria Diaz reported, its passive, whole-home protection resonated with readers. For engineers, its success signals demand for “set-and-forget” IoT safety solutions that prioritize real-time threat mitigation over complex setups.

3. Google Pixel Tablet | $249 (Save $150)

A steep discount drove massive interest in this Android tablet, praised for its seamless smart home integration via charging dock/speaker. At 40% off, it represents a strategic push by Google to capture budget-conscious buyers—a move that could pressure competitors to rethink pricing in a saturated tablet market.

4. Timmkoo 72GB Bluetooth MP4 Player | $40

This no-frills music player, devoid of apps or internet connectivity, taps into the digital minimalism movement. Its appeal lies in eliminating distractions—a counter-trend to feature-bloated devices that suggests a market for developers to explore “focus-first” hardware designs.

5. Apple AirTag 4-Pack | $64 (Save $35)

A perennial favorite, this deal underscores the universal need for reliable item tracking. The 35% discount amplifies Apple’s ecosystem lock-in strategy, while its consistent sales dominance highlights how privacy-conscious location tech remains a non-negotiable for users.

Why This Matters for Tech Innovators

These top sellers reveal three critical insights: First, hyper-specialized tools (like the ear camera) can outperform mainstream gadgets when they solve specific problems elegantly. Second, safety-enhancing AI—as seen in Ting’s sensor—is becoming a purchase driver, urging more investment in preventative smart home tech. Finally, the MP4 player’s success proves that digital detox products have a viable audience, challenging developers to balance connectivity with intentional disconnection.

As Prime Day continues, these purchases aren’t just transactions—they’re signals of where consumer priorities are shifting in an increasingly fragmented tech landscape. For builders and strategists, the message is clear: innovation thrives at the intersection of utility, simplicity, and tangible peace of mind.

Source: The top 5 products our readers bought so far during Prime Day 1 (and no.1 is weird)