"Anyone can now try Alexa+, Amazon's generative AI assistant, through a free early access program at Alexa.com. The website frees the AI, which Amazon released via early access in February, from hardware and makes it as easily accessible as more established chatbots, like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini."
"The above pricing suggests that Amazon wants Alexa+ to drive people toward Prime subscriptions. By being interwoven with Amazon's shopping ecosystem, including Amazon's e-commerce platform, grocery delivery business, and Whole Foods, Alexa+ can make more money for Amazon. Just like it has with Alexa+ on devices, Amazon is pushing Alexa.com as a tool for people to organize and manage their household."
"Alexa.com "also provides persistent context and continuity, allowing you to access Alexa on whichever device or interface best serves the task at hand, with all previous chats, preferences, and personalization" carrying over, Amazon said. Amazon already knew a browser-based version of Alexa would be helpful. Alexa was available via Alexa.Amazon.com until right around when Amazon started publicly discussing a generative AI version of Alexa in 2023."
Alexa+ is now accessible via a free early access program at Alexa.com, allowing use without Amazon hardware. The web launch frees Alexa+ from device dependence and positions it alongside chatbots such as ChatGPT and Gemini. Amazon has not specified the early access end date; when it ends Alexa+ will be included with Prime memberships or available separately for $20 per month. Amazon intends Alexa+ to drive Prime subscriptions and to monetize through integration with its e-commerce, grocery, and Whole Foods businesses. Alexa.com emphasizes household management features including trip and meal planning, to-do lists, calendars, and smart-home control with persistent context and cross-device continuity, complemented by a redesigned, agent-forward mobile app.
Read at Ars Technica
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]