Amazon is preparing for a future where users will pay a subscription for an AI-powered version of Alexa.
Given the emergence of large language model-powered tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s own efforts with Bard, the well-used, almost ubiquitous voice assistant is at risk of being left behind.
However, according to a new Business Insider report, the efforts to match the newest assistants with a more conversational product are floundering due to tech issues and internal politics.
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The report says the ‘Alexa Plus’ service is planned to launch on June 30, and is currently testing the product with 15,0000 users. However, testers cited in the report say the service frequently provides inaccurate information. The so-called Remarkable Alexa upgrade “often gives unnecessarily long or inaccurate responses” the report says.
Amazon had previously hinted the next version of Alexa carrying generative AI technology may well come with a fee attached. It’s not clear how much the company would charge, or whether it might be part of an Amazon Prime subscription. However, unless there’s a significant improvement prior to launch, it may be a stretch for users to start forking over cash.
“If this fails to get revenue, Alexa is in trouble,” one of the sources with knowledge of the situation told Business Insider.
Amazon is among the early voice assistant providers playing catch-up with the emerging generative AI models. Apple is another one. In the latter’s case, the issue with bringing Siri up to speed comes with an inflexible architecture.
It remains to be seen whether Amazon can fix these reported issues before launching Alexa Plus this summer.
