Amazon is reportedly planning a significant update to its virtual assistant, Alexa. According to a report from Reuters, the company is looking to integrate conversational generative AI into Alexa’s services.
This initiative, internally referred to as “Banyan,” marks the first major upgrade to the voice assistant since its launch in 2014. Sources within the company suggest that this revamped version will be marketed as “Remarkable Alexa.”
For years, Amazon’s Alexa division has struggled with profitability. This overhaul aims to address those challenges by introducing two subscription tiers, with monthly fees proposed to be between $5 and $10 (approximately Php280 – Php560).
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In April, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy addressed shareholders, committing to a “more intelligent and capable Alexa.” This statement aligns with the company’s efforts to revamp its voice assistant service to keep up with the competition.
As the generative AI field becomes increasingly competitive—with advancements from platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini—Amazon aims to position Alexa as a key player in this space.
The “Banyan” project is set to be completed by August, with the possibility of a public release in Q4 2024. However, the deadline may be extended based on development progress. More details are expected to emerge in the coming months.
Source: Reuters