Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN) unveiled a “smarter and more conversational” version of its Alexa virtual assistant powered by generative AI at the company’s annual device event on Wednesday.
During the event’s keynote presentation, Amazon devices chief Dave Limp demoed the souped-up Alexa, highlighting a new feature called 'Let’s chat.'
The new Alexa is meant to have a more human-like voice and carry on more natural conversations, even without being prompted with a command word. With generative AI, it is also supposed to be capable of learning about its users with each interaction.
It will also be able to compose entire messages for users and send them on their behalf. For instance, Amazon showed an invitation that Alexa wrote inviting a user’s friend over for a football game.
Keeping with the sports theme, Amazon’s head scientist overseeing generative AI, Rohit Prasad, said Alexa will able to change its tone in reaction to a sports score.
“The Red Sox are my favorite team,” Prasad said. “Imagine if they won, then Alexa would respond in a joyful voice. If they lost, it will be empathetic to me.”
'Let’s chat' will be made available as an “early preview” for current Echo users in the coming weeks, the company said.
Shares of Amazon fell 1.7% Wednesday to $135.29.
Contact Andrew Kessel at andrew.kessel@proactiveinvestors.com
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