Amazon förnyar Alexa med AI: Vi introducerar Alexa+

Amazon has launched a revamped version of Alexa, introducing Alexa+ with AI technology. This marks the most significant change to Alexa in over a decade.

Until this moment – right this moment — we have been limited by the technology

said Panos Panay, Amazon's Devices & Services chief, during the announcement. Alexa+ features longer conversations, smarter responses, and new capabilities like booking concert tickets, making restaurant reservations, and even texting a babysitter.

How Does Alexa AI-powered Assistant Works?

The new version brings more than just voice responses. Alexa+ now participates in flowing conversations, a stark contrast to the previous stilted interactions. In a demo, the assistant was shown analyzing documents to create calendar events and even checking home security footage to see if the dog had been walked. "She’s useful," Panay said repeatedly, showcasing the assistant's expanded skill set.

Pricing and Availability

Alexa+ will be available for $19.99 a month but comes free with Amazon’s Prime membership, which costs $139 annually. “Early access” for Prime members starts in March. This move is seen as a strategic effort to boost the user base of Alexa and Amazon's devices.

Behind the Technology

Alexa+ leverages various large language models, including Amazon’s new Nova models and software from Anthropic, an AI startup that Amazon has invested up to $8 billion in. The system is designed to provide more accurate and dynamic responses, shifting away from traditional chatbot-like interactions.

We’re moving the world from chatbots to something entirely new.

– Panay emphasized.

This launch comes after months of delays. Despite initial enthusiasm for an AI-powered Alexa, early tests found the system lacking compared to competitors like OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

According to former engineers:

Alexa was still struggling to find new ways to engage a massive user base.

However, Amazon opted to delay the rollout to refine the technology before its official debut.

With Alexa+ now rolling out, Amazon hopes it can regain momentum and become a major player in the AI-powered assistant market once again.