Amazon is set to launch a new generative AI-powered version of its voice assistant, Alexa, in October.
This upgraded version will come with a subscription fee, marking a significant shift from the previously free service. The new Alexa aims to offer more personalised and interactive features, enhancing user experience significantly.
Key Takeaways
- Launch Date: Mid-October 2024
- Subscription Fee: Up to $10 per month
- New Features: Smart Briefing, personalised responses, cooking help, shopping assistance, and a kid-friendly AI assistant
- Classic Alexa: The current version will remain free but rebranded as "classic Alexa"
Smart Briefing
One of the standout features of the new Alexa is the 'Smart Briefing' function. This feature will provide daily, AI-generated summaries of news articles tailored to the user's preferences. This is particularly timely, given the upcoming US Presidential election, and aims to offer accurate and relevant information.
Personalised Responses
The new Alexa will be more conversational and charismatic, learning to recognise individual voices and asking questions to better understand user preferences. This will allow Alexa to offer more personalised responses, such as dietary-specific recipe suggestions.
Cooking Help
Food assistance is another key area where the new Alexa aims to excel. Users will be able to find recipes tailored to their dietary needs and preferences. This feature is highly requested and aims to make meal planning easier and more efficient.
Shopping Assistance
The new Alexa will also focus on enhancing the shopping experience. Users can ask questions about product details, availability, and deals. A feature called Shopping Scout will notify users when items they are interested in go on sale, making it easier to find the best deals.
Kid-Friendly AI Assistant
Amazon is also introducing a kid-friendly version of Alexa. The 'Explore with Alexa 2.0' feature will allow children to have safe, moderated conversations with the AI assistant on various topics. This aims to make learning more interactive and engaging for kids.
Conclusion
Amazon's new generative AI-powered Alexa is set to revolutionise the way users interact with their voice assistants. With a range of new features and a subscription model, this upgrade aims to offer a more personalised and efficient user experience. The classic version of Alexa will remain available for free, ensuring that all users can continue to benefit from Amazon's voice assistant technology.
Sources
- 5 new features Alexa AI will bring to paying subscribers next month, according to a new leak | TechRadar, TechRadar.
- After a decade of free Alexa, Amazon now wants you to pay - The Washington Post, Washington Post.
- Amazon aims to launch an AI Alexa in October, with a subscription - The Washington Post, Washington Post.
- Amazon Alexa returns in October with new AI features — but there's a catch | Tom's Guide, Tom's Guide.
- Amazon's revamped Alexa with generative AI to roll out in October | ZDNET, ZDNET.
