1. Amazon rumored to unveil “souped-up” version of Alexa with generative AI and conversational skills
2. Subscription may be required for access, separate from Amazon Prime
3. Amazon’s new goal is to create artificial general intelligence, starting with a chatbot using Titan large language model
Amazon is rumored to be adding generative AI and conversational skills to Alexa, with reports suggesting a subscription-based “souped-up” version of the voice assistant may be released later this year. Unlike Prime Video or Amazon Music, this subscription may not be included in Amazon Prime. The goal is to compete with new AI technologies in the market, with pressure to improve Alexa’s capabilities coming from CEO Andrew Jassy. Amazon is working towards creating artificial general intelligence but is focusing on smaller goals for now, starting with a chatbot with generative AI capabilities using the Titan language model.
While it may seem like Amazon is catching up in the AI space, the question remains whether users will be willing to pay for the new Alexa features. Premium subscriptions are common in the chatbot world, but there is usually a free version available as well. Providing some form of free access, especially for Prime members, could attract users to upgrade to the premium version. Details about the launch date, pricing, and features of the new Alexa chatbot are still unknown, so users will have to wait and see how it all unfolds in the future.