Amazon has finally unleashed its much-delayed Alexa AI, revealing features about its AI-driven Gemini AI assistant and ChatGPT rival. First shown as a working product in 2023, the generative AI-powered Alexa took more than a year to come to customers. Rumors of a pay-tier for Alexa AI had existed, and last week’s development vindicates it being offered in the form of a paid upgrade.
Alexa AI Plus is an upgraded service, but Amazon is providing Prime members with access to the advanced assistant for free, which is an attractive offer. The AI-based Alexa is supposed to be more intelligent and conversational, assisting users in making grocery orders, planning events, and even remembering movie and food preferences. The AI also can scan images and help plan trips.
The Alexa AI Plus subscription will cost $19.99 (about Rs 1,720) per month. But existing Prime members, who pay $14.99 (about Rs 1,290) a month, will have access to the advanced features of Alexa AI at no additional fee. There’s also a new Alexa app, and the AI assistant will work with the majority of Echo devices later this year.
In demos, Amazon highlighted Alexa AI integration with smart home systems, for example, tracking activity via smart cameras to see if a person has taken the dog for a walk. This latest version of Alexa is significantly more sophisticated, and Amazon’s choice to bill for the service right away is an indication of its confidence. Now the world waits to see how well it performs for a frictionless experience.
Alexa AI Is Here: Amazon Introduces Premium AI-Powered Assistant
