Amazon's AI-Infused Alexa: A New Subscription Model and Enhanced Capabilities

Seattle, Washington United States of America
Amazon is planning to upgrade its voice assistant, Alexa, with an AI overhaul and introduce a monthly subscription fee.
Amazon is using its own large language model, Titan, in the Alexa upgrade.
Amazon sold over 500 million Alexa-enabled devices as of 2023.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has been investing in large language models as part of its efforts to unseat OpenAI, Google, or Meta as leaders in artificial intelligence.
The company aims to provide more conversational and intelligent responses through this update.
The exact price for the subscription has not been determined yet.
The move comes as competitors like Google and OpenAI also invest heavily in generative AI for their chatbots.
Amazon's AI-Infused Alexa: A New Subscription Model and Enhanced Capabilities

Amazon is planning to upgrade its voice assistant, Alexa, with an AI overhaul and introduce a monthly subscription fee. According to multiple reports from CNBC and other sources, Amazon's new AI-infused version of Alexa will cost extra and be separate from the existing Amazon Prime membership. The exact price for the subscription has not been determined yet.

Amazon sold over 500 million Alexa-enabled devices as of 2023, making it a significant player in the voice assistant market. To enhance its capabilities, Amazon is using its own large language model, Titan, in the Alexa upgrade. The company aims to provide more conversational and intelligent responses through this update.

The move comes as competitors like Google and OpenAI also invest heavily in generative AI for their chatbots. Apple's Siri has been a long-standing competitor in the voice assistant space, offering features such as two-way conversations in real time and language translation. Amazon's former SVP of devices and services, David Limp, and current CEO Andy Jassy have reportedly taken an active interest in improving Alexa's capabilities.

Despite early successes with Alexa, the team behind the voice assistant has faced challenges. Some former employees have expressed concerns that it had become bloated with a large team of thousands and was struggling to keep up with modern-day expectations. The priority for Amazon now is to turn Alexa into a more relevant device in people's lives.

Amazon Web Services (AWS), the company's cloud computing division, has been investing in large language models as part of its efforts to unseat OpenAI, Google, or Meta as leaders in artificial intelligence. The stakes are high for Amazon given that Alexa is already installed in millions of homes and kitchens worldwide.


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Confidence

75%

Doubts
  • Are there any non-anonymous sources confirming Amazon's plans for Alexa's AI upgrade and subscription model?

Sources

91%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Report: Amazon to charge a separate monthly subscription for AI-enhanced Alexa

9to5Google Ben Schoon Wednesday, 22 May 2024 15:22
  • Unique Points
    • Amazon is planning to launch an AI-enhanced version of Alexa with a separate monthly subscription.
    • This new AI-enhanced version of Alexa will cost extra and is separate from Amazon Prime.
  • Accuracy
    • Amazon plans to charge a monthly subscription fee for the updated Alexa.
    • Amazon is using its own large language model, Titan, in the Alexa upgrade.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (80%)
    The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy by citing OpenAI and Google's subscription prices as a potential cost benchmark for Amazon's AI-enhanced Alexa. Additionally, there is a dichotomous depiction by stating that neither Google nor OpenAI offer their AI through smart speakers, implying that Amazon's move is unique or innovative.
    • . . . CNBC today says that Amazon is planning an “AI overhaul” for Alexa based on the company’s Titan LLM. . .
    • OpenAI and Google both charge monthly subscriptions of $20 per month for their top AI subscriptions . . .
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

80%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Amazon plans to give Alexa an AI overhaul — and a monthly subscription price

CNBC News Kate Rooney Wednesday, 22 May 2024 12:23
  • Unique Points
    • Amazon is upgrading Alexa with generative artificial intelligence.
    • Amazon plans to charge a monthly subscription fee for the updated Alexa.
    • Amazon sold over 500 million Alexa-enabled devices as of 2023.
    • Amazon is using its own large language model, Titan, in the Alexa upgrade.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (30%)
    The article contains selective reporting and sensationalism. The author focuses on the fact that Amazon is planning to charge a monthly subscription fee for Alexa's AI overhaul without mentioning that this is a common business model for advanced AI services. Additionally, the title of the article implies that this development is new and unexpected when in reality, it has been reported since 2023 that Amazon was considering charging for a more powerful version of Alexa.
    • Amazon is upgrading its decade-old Alexa voice assistant with generative artificial intelligence and plans to charge a monthly subscription fee to offset the cost of the technology, according to people with knowledge of Amazon’s plans.
    • The development of new AI chatbots in recent months has increased the pressure internally on a division that was once seen as a darling of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, according to the sources – but has been subject to strict profit imperatives since his departure.
    • Those who worked on Alexa describe it as a great idea that may have been too early, and that it’s going to be hard to turn the ship around.
  • Fallacies (80%)
    The author makes several appeals to authority in the article. She cites 'two sources familiar with the matter' and 'three sources' multiple times throughout the article. While these sources may have valuable information, their anonymity and lack of named attribution make it difficult to fully evaluate their credibility or potential biases. Additionally, there are instances of inflammatory rhetoric used by NYU professor Scott Galloway in the article, who refers to new AI chatbots as 'Alexa and Siri killers.' This type of language can be misleading and create unnecessary hype around the topic.
    • According to two sources familiar with the matter, Amazon is upgrading its decade-old Alexa voice assistant with generative artificial intelligence and plans to charge a monthly subscription fee to offset the cost of the technology.
    • Three former employees pointed to Bezos’ early obsession with Alexa, describing it as his passion project. Attention from Bezos resulted in more dollars and less pressure to make a return on those funds immediately.
    • Jassy has been privately underwhelmed with what modern-day Alexa is capable of, according to one person.
  • Bias (95%)
    The author expresses a negative sentiment towards Alexa's current capabilities and positions new generative AI-powered chatbots as a threat to Alexa. This can be considered monetary bias as the author implies that Amazon needs to upgrade Alexa in order to compete and generate revenue.
    • Amazon is upgrading its decade-old Alexa voice assistant with generative artificial intelligence and plans to charge a monthly subscription fee to offset the cost of the technology
      • Amazon will use its own large language model, Titan, in the Alexa upgrade.
        • Google launched a similar generative-AI-powered voice feature for Gemini
          • The development of new AI chatbots in recent months has increased the pressure internally on a division that was once seen as a darling of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, but has been subject to strict profit imperatives since his departure.
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication

          98%

          The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
          (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

          A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

          Amazon to Charge Monthly Fee For AI-Infused Alexa, CNBC Reports

          Bloomberg News Now Robin Ajello Thursday, 23 May 2024 17:58
          • Unique Points
            • Amazon plans to charge a monthly fee for the AI-infused version of Alexa later this year.
            • CNBC reported this information from people familiar with the situation.
          • Accuracy
            • Amazon is planning to launch an AI-enhanced version of Alexa with a separate monthly subscription.
            • Amazon plans to charge a monthly subscription fee for the updated Alexa.
          • Deception (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Fallacies (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Bias (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication

          90%

          The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
          (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

          A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

          Amazon planning Alexa upgrade with AI overhaul

          CBS News Site: https://www.cbsnews.com/articles/about-us/ CBS News Thursday, 23 May 2024 17:59
          • Unique Points
            • Amazon is planning an upgrade for Alexa
            • The upgrade includes an AI overhaul
          • Accuracy
            • ]Amazon is planning an upgrade for Alexa[
            • Amazon is planning to launch an AI-enhanced version of Alexa with a separate monthly subscription.
            • Amazon plans to charge a monthly fee for the AI-infused version of Alexa.
          • Deception (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Fallacies (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Bias (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication

          80%

          The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
          (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

          A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

          Amazon plans to give Alexa an AI overhaul — and a monthly subscription price

          CNBC News Kate Rooney Wednesday, 22 May 2024 12:23
          • Unique Points
            • Amazon is upgrading Alexa with generative artificial intelligence.
            • Amazon sold over 500 million Alexa-enabled devices as of 2023.
            • Amazon is using its own large language model, Titan, in the Alexa upgrade.
          • Accuracy
            No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
          • Deception (30%)
            The article contains selective reporting and emotional manipulation. The author focuses on Amazon's plans to charge a monthly subscription fee for Alexa's AI overhaul while mentioning the capabilities of Google and OpenAI's generative AI-powered chatbots in passing. This creates a negative impression of Amazon, implying that they are late to the game and struggling to keep up with competitors. The author also uses phrases like 'pressure internally on a division that was once seen as a darling' and 'frustrated that Alexa didn't know an answer', which manipulate emotions by painting Amazon in a negative light. Additionally, the article mentions Bezos' concern about Amazon being behind in AI but does not provide any context or explanation for this concern.
            • For instance, Jassy, an avid sports fan, asked the voice assistant the live score of a recent game, according to a person in the room, and was openly frustrated that Alexa didn’t know an answer that was so easy to find online.
            • Many people use Alexa and Siri for basic tasks, such as setting timers or alarms and announcing the weather. The development of new AI chatbots in recent months has increased the pressure internally on a division that was once seen as a darling of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, according to the sources.
            • The Seattle-based tech and retail giant will launch a more conversational version of Alexa later this year, potentially positioning it to better compete with new generative AI-powered chatbots from companies including Google and OpenAI.
          • Fallacies (80%)
            The author makes an appeal to authority by mentioning the opinions of two sources and NYU professor Scott Galloway. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric by calling the new AI chatbots 'Alexa and Siri killers'.
            • > people with knowledge of Amazon’s plans
            • According to two sources familiar with the matter, who asked not to be named because the discussions were private.
            • Many people use Alexa and Siri for basic tasks, such as setting timers or alarms and announcing the weather.
            • Some interpreted last week’s announcements as a threat to Alexa and Siri.
            • NYU professor Scott Galloway called the updates the ‘Alexa and Siri killers’ on his recent podcast.
          • Bias (95%)
            The author expresses a negative sentiment towards Alexa's current capabilities and positions new generative AI-powered chatbots from Google and OpenAI as threats to Alexa. The author also mentions that Amazon is under pressure internally to turn Alexa into a more relevant device amid the new AI competition.
            • Amazon is upgrading its decade-old Alexa voice assistant with generative artificial intelligence and plans to charge a monthly subscription fee to offset the cost of the technology, according to people with knowledge of Amazon’s plans.
              • Many people use Alexa and Siri for basic tasks, such as setting timers or alarms and announcing the weather. But the current wave of advanced generative AI enables much more creative, human-sounding interactions. Apple is expected to unveil a more conversational Siri at its annual developers conference in June.
                • The development of new AI chatbots in recent months has increased the pressure internally on a division that was once seen as a darling of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, but has been subject to strict profit imperatives since his departure.
                  • The team is now tasked with turning Alexa into a relevant device that holds up amid the new AI competition, and one that justifies the resources and headcount Amazon has dedicated to it.
                  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                    None Found At Time Of Publication
                  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                    None Found At Time Of Publication