Amazon Unveils Alexa+ with Generative AI Capabilities to Revitalize its Voice Assistant

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Amazon has recently announced the launch of Alexa+, a revamped version of its voice assistant powered by generative AI capabilities, in an effort to breathe new life into its 10-year-old helper and better compete with the likes of Google's Gemini and Microsoft-backed ChatGPT. During an event in New York City, Amazon's head of devices and services, Panos Panay, unveiled the company's Alexa+, which runs on Amazon's own large language models, as well as those from Anthropic, in which Amazon has invested billions. Available for $19 per month, and free for Prime users, Alexa+ is the company's attempt to reinvent the assistant with agentic AI capabilities that let it perform different tasks across multiple apps.

The new features of Alexa+ were demonstrated on stage, showcasing its ability to remember personal preferences about people in the household, such as what they like to eat, and then put them to use when ordering food. Additionally, Panay demonstrated how users can control products across their home with quick, natural voice requests, and even request and book an Uber for a friend that needs a ride home from the airport. The idea was to demonstrate that Alexa+ isn't just meant to set timers or play music, but rather to provide a more intuitive and conversational experience for users. Conversations with the assistant were largely natural sounding, and should allow users to ask questions without having to use the stilted, AI phrases they'd otherwise have to use in the past.

Amazon's investment in generative AI is a significant one, with the company expecting to spend over $100 billion on the technology in 2025, including via new data centers and apps. The company has also developed its own AI chip, Trainium 2, which offers 30% to 40% better price performance than competing chips like Nvidia's. Whether Alexa+ takes off depends on how well it works in the real world and whether customers are willing to give it another shot. The new assistant will be available on four Amazon Echo devices with screens, including the Echo Show 8, Echo Show 10, Echo Show 5, and Echo Show 15, as well as on web browsers, the Alexa app, compatible Fire TVs, and Fire tablets.

Some of the key features of Alexa+ include the ability to generate responses instead of simply repeating pre-programmed phrases, book Uber rides and tickets to shows, and offer help with cuisines in a conversational manner. The new assistant will also be able to upload documents and answer specific questions about them, as well as provide in-depth information about sports teams and other topics. The following are some of the technical specifications and features of Alexa+: * Available on four Amazon Echo devices with screens * Available on web browsers, the Alexa app, compatible Fire TVs, and Fire tablets * Costs $19.99 per month, or free for Amazon Prime members * Requires Amazon's own services like Music and Prime Video to access certain features * Will be released in the US first, and subsequently in waves to other regions over the coming months

Overall, Amazon's launch of Alexa+ marks a significant shift in the company's approach to voice assistants, and its investment in generative AI is a clear indication of its commitment to staying ahead of the curve in this rapidly evolving field. As the technology continues to develop and improve, it will be interesting to see how Alexa+ and other voice assistants evolve to meet the changing needs of consumers. With its advanced features and natural conversations, Alexa+ has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with technology and make our lives easier and more convenient.