Sunday, 23 March 2025
25.7 C
Singapore
28.1 C
Thailand
21.2 C
Indonesia
24.6 C
Philippines

Alexa to get an AI boost with a new subscription service

Amazon's Alexa is set for a major AI update, and a new subscription service, costing US$5โ€“US$10 per month, will offer enhanced capabilities and features.

You might be excited that Alexa, Amazon’s digital assistant, will receive a significant AI update soon. Sources close to Reuters have revealed that Amazon is planning an extensive upgrade for Alexa, introducing a new two-tier subscription service costing between US$5 and US$10 per month.

Introducing โ€œRemarkable Alexaโ€

The new and improved Alexa, tentatively named โ€œRemarkable Alexaโ€ by insiders, could launch as early as August 2024. The project, codenamed โ€œBanyanโ€ after the giant ficus tree, is a personal project of CEO Andy Jassy. In an April letter to shareholders, Jassy promised a โ€œmore intelligent and capable Alexa.โ€ However, sources caution that the pricing and release date might change as the launch date approaches, depending on the project’s progress.

An Amazon spokeswoman told Reuters, โ€œWe have already integrated generative AI into different components of Alexa and are working hard on implementation at scaleโ€”in the over half-a-billion ambient, Alexa-enabled devices already in homes around the worldโ€”to enable even more proactive, personal, and trusted assistance for our customers.โ€ Alexa is used mainly in Amazon TVs and Echo speakers to perform simple tasks like setting timers, controlling smart home devices, reporting the weather, and answering basic questions.

Alexa’s financial challenges and competition

Despite its widespread use, Alexa has yet to turn a profit for Amazon since its debut in 2014. The digital assistant market became even more competitive with the release of ChatGPT in 2022, which prompted companies like Microsoft, Google, and Apple to develop their own AI systems rapidly. However, Amazon needs to be more efficient in integrating generative AI into its products. Reutersโ€™ sources have indicated that Amazon’s senior management views 2024 as a crucial year for Alexa, despite substantial staff cuts in the Alexa division in late 2023.

During its annual device event in Seattle last September, Amazon showcased several prototype generative AI features, but none have yet been released to consumers. The new Remarkable Alexa would replace the current free version, known internally as โ€œClassic Alexa,โ€ with a still-free generative AI model.

What do you get with the new subscription?

Subscribers paying the US$5 to US$10 monthly fee would gain access to a more advanced model capable of answering complex questions, drafting essential emails, and ordering food through Uber Eatsโ€”all from a single prompt without needing to say โ€œAlexaโ€ at the start of each command.

It’s still unclear whether the subscription will be tied to Amazonโ€™s existing US$140-per-year Prime service. Whether users will be willing to pay for a service they previously enjoyed for free, especially with alternatives like Siri, Gemini, or ChatGPT available, remains to be seen.

Hot this week

Steamโ€™s Spring Sale offers up to 75% off top games

Steamโ€™s Spring Sale is live. Until March 20, you can save up to 75% on games like Cyberpunk 2077, Doom, and Chrono Trigger.

AI agents transform industries with NVIDIA AI Enterprise

AI agents powered by NVIDIA AI Enterprise are transforming industries, improving customer service, aiding humanitarian efforts, and streamlining operations worldwide.

Samsung to launch Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G in Singapore on 28 March

Samsung will launch the Galaxy A56 5G and A36 5G in Singapore on 28 March 2025, featuring AI tools, upgraded cameras, and exclusive launch promotions.

Katamari Damacy makes a comeback on Apple Arcade this April

Katamari Damacy Rolling LIVE lands on Apple Arcade on April 3, bringing a modern twist to its classic gameplay alongside other nostalgic favourites.

Vertex Ventures Japan completes first close and strengthens leadership team

Vertex Ventures Japan announces first fund close and key leadership hires to help Japanese startups expand globally.

Tenable research finds serious security gaps in AI cloud services

Tenable finds 70% of AI cloud workloads have unpatched vulnerabilities, warning of data tampering and poor security in popular cloud services.

Asiaโ€™s AI growth held back by fragile data infrastructure

Hitachi Vantara urges Asiaโ€™s businesses to prioritise data resilience as AI adoption accelerates across the region.

Vertex Ventures Japan completes first close and strengthens leadership team

Vertex Ventures Japan announces first fund close and key leadership hires to help Japanese startups expand globally.

Ankerโ€™s compact 45W USB-C charger gets even smaller and lighter

Ankerโ€™s new Nano 45W USB-C charger is smaller and lighter than before, offering fast charging in a compact design. It is now available for US$34.99.

Related Articles