Amazon is all set to launch its major upgrade for Alexa, which is a popular virtual assistant. According to Panos Panay, executive vice president of devices and services at the firm, generative artificial intelligence powers Alexa+. This is the biggest overhaul since debuting more than a decade ago. Alexa+ is more conversational, personalized, and smarter, and it is capable of doing more things for customers. Read the article to learn more about Alexa+:
What is Generative AI?
Generative AI is a subdivision of artificial intelligence that is capable of creating new content or data patterns autonomously and intelligently. It is capable of learning and solving problems in complex subjects. This works by using AI models called foundation models that are trained on a massive amount of data. These models can produce a wide array of output from a single input request, and it is used for specific tasks with minimal additional training.
What Makes Alexa+ Different from Older Versions?
The new version can converse about virtually anything by following a more natural and expansive format. You can have a word with the new version as you do with humans. It can even understand colloquial expressions as well as half-formed thoughts.
Alexa+ would be a lifesaver in several situations, including making reservations and appointments, and checking the schedule to know whether any of your plans coincide with others. Also, it is very intelligent and keeps a record of your likes and dislikes to prioritize them in order of need.
To train the device, the company uses a concept called ‘experts’ that is a collection of systems, APIs, capabilities, and instructions that accomplish specific types of tasks for the users.
Features Of Alexa+
Let’s get even deeper into the features of Alexa+.
- The parent version was introduced in 2014. After ages, it gets better and better, including improvement in listening power and ability to recognize individual voices. The new version is a lot more advanced as it can remember personal information and context. The company claims that it can be used as an orchestra conductor for favorite services and devices.
- You can have the best Alexa+ experience on Amazon’s latest smart displays. This is the reason why early access is restricted to Echo Show 8, 10, 15, or 21. However, you can access the new version on most of the Echos except Echo Dot 1st Gen, Echo 1st Gen, Echo Plus 1st Gen, Echo Show 1st Gen, Ech show 2nd Gen, and Echo Spot 1st Gen. You can even use in a web browser, the Alexa app and compatible Fire TV devices and Fire tablets. But currently, it is not available on devices that are branded ‘Alexa Built-in. ’
- Alexa+ will be initially rolled out in the U.S. in the next few weeks. It costs $19.99 per month, but it might be free if you have a Prime subscription. Buy any of the above-mentioned smart displays to access Alexa+.
- The intelligence of Alexa+ can be used to derive a summary of the detected security camera events and display the footage on compatible Echo Show displays. If it is integrated with Ring’s Smart Video Search, it will let you ask natural questions such as ‘When was the last time a visitor entered the house?’ or ‘When did I garden?’. If you are accessing Alexa with Echo Show or a smart speaker, you can use its voice assistant and move music from room to room. If you have a Fire TV device, you are lucky because you can play nicely with Prime Video, and you can easily jump to your favorite scheme.
- You can also share your private information with Alexa+ to act as a family assistant. You can share anything you want; the more you share, the more it becomes personalized.
- Alexa+ comes with a Kids Plus subscription, which costs $5.99/ £4.99 a month separately. However, if you have early access, you will begin with a one-month free trial. They have included two features to entertain kids: ‘Stories with Alexa’ and ‘Explore with Alexa’.
- Alexa+ Prime subscription comes with an additional feature that can remember information and personalize its responses. This means Alexa+ gives you personalized news depending on your specific interest.
- If you are a beginner, then the connectivity will be simple, like how you use it to book an Uber or make a dinner reservation. To take it one step further, the company lets you create and tweak grocery lists on the fly with natural conversation.
- The original Alexa lovers don’t have to worry, it will still be available on your old devices for now, at least. It’s your choice whether to stick with the original version or the upgraded version.
Availability Of Alexa+
Amazon’s Generative AI Alexa will start rolling out in the U.S. in the next few weeks during an early access period and in the upcoming months, it will be available for everyone. Amazon is giving priority to the users who own Echo Show 8, 10, 15, and 21, who will get early access. You can visit Amazon’s official website to receive early access.
Also Read: Baidu’s Next-Gen AI Model: What It Means For The Future Of Tech
The Final Note
Amazon has redesigned Alexa’s underlying architecture to enable additional features. The new version utilizes multiple models suitable to execute each task. Alexa+ will be available to U.S. people over the next few weeks. People can have early access if they own Echo Show 8, 10, 15, and 21 devices. Users have to pay a monthly subscription fee to access it.
