Amazon to upgrade Alexa with advanced AI, introduces subscription plans- All details

tech.hindustantimes.com:

Amazon is gearing up to revamp its Alexa voice assistant, infusing it with cutting-edge artificial intelligence capabilities and rolling out subscription plans to cover the associated costs. This strategic move aims to bolster Alexa's competitiveness in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-powered assistants, where rivals like Google and OpenAI have been making significant strides. 

Currently, Alexa is renowned for its ability to execute tasks through voice commands, such as setting timers or playing music. However, recent advancements in AI, exemplified by OpenAI's GPT-4o, enable more nuanced two-way conversations and real-time language translation. In response, Amazon is doubling down on developing a more conversational iteration of Alexa to keep pace with these advancements, CNBC reported. 

Also read: Intel lunar lake CPUs make big AI promise- Here's how it will challenge Qualcomm, Apple

The upgraded Alexa is slated for release later this year and will depart from its current inclusion in Amazon's Prime membership. Instead, users will have to opt for separate subscription plans, although the pricing structure is still in the works. This shift signifies a departure from Amazon's previous approach of bundling Alexa as a complimentary service with other products.

This strategic pivot by Amazon follows internal deliberations and pressure. While under the leadership of former CEO Jeff Bezos, Alexa received considerable investment and attention, the tenure of current CEO Andy Jassy, who assumed the role in 2021, has seen a greater emphasis on profitability. Jassy reportedly perceives Alexa's existing capabilities as insufficient compared to newer AI technologies.

Also read: WhatsApp to launch new AI feature to help users generate profile photos- Details

To confront the challenge posed by formidable competitors like Google and Apple's Siri, Amazon has restructured its Alexa team and is incorporating more advanced AI functionalities. This includes leveraging Amazon's