Amazon is planning to launch an enhanced version of Alexa, enriched with new generative artificial intelligence technology. This advanced version could learn from users’ habits and handle more complex requests without the need to repeatedly invoke the name “Alexa.”
According to a Reuters report, Amazon’s new AI-powered version of Alexa could be offered to users for an additional cost of $5-10 per month, on top of the Prime membership. This would be half the price of Gemini and ChatGPT, although it remains to be seen whether the Prime subscription will be mandatory to have access to the new Alexa. Reportedly, however, Amazon is aiming to launch this new version in August, marking a significant revamp effort for its voice assistant.
The features of the new Alexa
The enhanced Alexa will be able to perform multiple actions in response to a single voice command, such as sending emails or ordering takeout. It will also be able to learn from user interactions and automate daily routines, such as activating home devices when the alarm goes off. Amazon plans to keep the free version of Alexa, but will reserve advanced generative AI features behind a paywall. This approach will allow customers to enjoy personalized shopping recommendations and other more sophisticated interactions, similar to those offered by Amazon’s AI shopping chatbot, Rufus.
Amazon has already integrated generative AI into various components of Alexa and is working to expand its use on a large scale. This includes over half a billion Alexa-enabled devices worldwide, promising more proactive and personalized support for all its customers. In recent years, Amazon has stepped up efforts to improve its AI assistant, going head-to-head with rivals such as OpenAI, Google and Microsoft. Apple is also preparing a new version of Siri with enhanced AI features for iOS 18, signaling growing competition in the AI space.
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