Amazon’s Alexa Gets a Major AI Upgrade But at a Price
Amazon is set to unveil a significantly revamped version of its voice assistant, Alexa, in October. This overhaul, which includes a daily AI-generated news summary and enhanced conversational abilities, will be available as a paid subscription.
Amazon’s move comes amid increasing competition from other tech giants like Microsoft and Google. These companies have also invested heavily in AI-powered voice assistants. Alexa has been a popular choice for smart home devices. However, the company has faced criticism for Alexa’s limitations and occasional inaccuracies.
The new Alexa, dubbed “Remarkable Alexa” or “Project Banyan,” is designed to be more conversational and personalised. It will learn from user interactions to better understand their preferences and provide more tailored responses. Additionally, it will offer features like recipe suggestions, shopping assistance, and a children’s mode.
However, the upgraded Alexa will come at a cost. Amazon is considering a subscription fee of up to USD10 (~RM43) per month, potentially making it a premium service. While the classic version will remain free, the company hopes the additional features and benefits will entice users to pay for the subscription.
The launch of the new Alexa is expected to take place just weeks before the U.S. presidential election, a time when news consumption and political discourse are at their peak. The AI-generated news summary feature could prove to be particularly valuable during this period, providing users with a concise overview of the day’s events.
As Amazon continues to invest in AI technology, the company is hoping that the revamped Alexa will help it stay ahead of the competition and solidify its position in the smart home market.
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