Amazon has unveiled plans to upgrade its virtual assistant, Alexa, with a new generative AI model, further intensifying the competition among major tech companies.
The company has introduced a Large Language Model (LLM) that aims to enhance Alexa’s conversational abilities, granting it a more natural voice with an adjustable tone. This feature, named “let’s chat,” will be available to existing Echo device owners in the coming weeks.
During a press briefing at Amazon’s HQ2 in Arlington, Virginia, David Limp, Senior Vice President of Devices and Services, shared insights about these advancements. He explained, “Our latest model is specifically optimized for voice interactions and prioritizes features that our customers cherish, including access to real-time information, smart home control, and maximizing home entertainment experiences.”
According to a report from CNBC, there were some technical issues during the presentation, with Alexa experiencing delays and repeating questions.
The new LLM will empower Alexa to draft messages on behalf of users and respond in a more natural manner. For instance, when Limp inquired about Alexa’s favorite sports team, it identified the Seahawks and provided relevant statistics and game schedules.
Limp also demonstrated the LLM’s potential in smart home settings, allowing users to make conversational requests like “look spooky” to adjust lighting or “there’s a mess in here” to activate a robot vacuum.
Earlier this year, Amazon Web Services launched a suite of AI products to assist other businesses in developing chatbots and image-generation services, reflecting a broader trend in the AI landscape following the rise of ChatGPT. Companies like Microsoft and Google Cloud have also embarked on similar generative AI initiatives.