Amazon unveils next-gen Alexa with AI upgrades at devices event

Amazon’s big Devices event has finally arrived, and all eyes are on the new Alexa. This year, the focus is on AI-powered improvements that promise to make Alexa more conversational and capable than ever.

Smarter, More Interactive Alexa

Amazon is stepping up its game to compete with AI assistants like ChatGPT Voice and Gemini Live. The upgraded Alexa is expected to handle multiple tasks in sequence and feel more like a real conversation partner.

New Echo Devices on the Way?

While the spotlight is on Alexa’s AI makeover, there’s also buzz around new Echo devices. Amazon hasn't refreshed its smart speakers and displays in a while, so we might see some much-needed updates.

Key Announcements from the Event

CEO Andy Jassy Highlights AI's Role

Amazon has been using AI for 25 years, but Jassy emphasized how generative AI is now transforming its capabilities.

AI-Powered Customer Reviews

A new feature will summarize customer reviews, making it easier to see what people love (or don’t) about a product without scrolling through hundreds of comments.

Amazon’s AI Strategy

Jassy outlined Amazon’s three-layer AI model:

Infrastructure: Amazon's custom-built AI chips for better performance.

Bedrock AI: A platform integrating multiple AI models for smoother interactions.

Generative AI Applications: AI-powered chatbots and smarter tools for sellers.

Panos Panay Takes the Stage

Microsoft’s former product chief, now at Amazon, shared his excitement about Alexa’s evolution and acknowledged past limitations. He stressed that AI will help Alexa understand users better.

A New Echo Show Interface?

A redesigned Echo Show was spotted at the event, hinting at possible updates to Amazon’s smart display lineup.

Will Older Echo Devices Support Alexa 2.0?

There’s speculation that some older Echo models may not support the new AI-powered Alexa, meaning users might need to upgrade.

Can Amazon Win the AI Race?

With a massive $8 billion investment in Anthropic, Amazon is making a big bet on AI. The question is, how much of the new Alexa is powered by Amazon’s own AI versus Anthropic’s Claude?

Consumer Trust in AI Still a Challenge

A recent survey revealed that:

66% of consumers don’t trust AI to make purchases for them.

58% are concerned about data privacy.

42% see AI as more of a sales tool than a helpful assistant.

As Amazon unveils its latest AI-powered Alexa, the company must prove that its technology can enhance daily life while addressing these trust concerns.

Stay tuned for more updates as the event unfolds!