Amazon has launched Alexa+, an artificial intelligence assistant powered by LLM, similar to ChatGPT Plus, Gemini Advanced, or Claude Pro, but leveraging Amazon’s full ecosystem, including Echo speakers, Fire TV televisions, Prime Video streaming service, and Ring security cameras.
Amazon has not disclosed which LLM models are used to create Alexa+, but indicates that they are chosen based on the task at hand, similar to Apple Intelligence. However, it is known that Amazon’s own Nova and Anthropic’s Claude are utilized.
Key features of Alexa+ include:
– Setting up complex automated systems or routines by voice command alone, without the need for apps
– Searching for videos based on descriptive keywords, like “movies starring Bradley Cooper singing,” and having them play on Fire TV instantly
– Summarizing events around the house captured by Ring cameras, with a Ring subscription needed, allowing users to inquire about daily occurrences, such as garbage disposal
– Reading documents on behalf of users, with the ability to store documents in Alexa+ for future reference and querying knowledge within them, like community regulations or forwarding emails for later queries
– Summarizing news from trusted sources like Associated Press, Reuters, TIME, USA TODAY, and Politico, including stock market and sports information
In addition to Alexa+’s capabilities, Amazon has announced the Alexa AI Multi-Agent SDK to integrate other services with Alexa+. For example, making restaurant reservations via OpenTable, booking Uber rides simultaneously when setting up lunch plans, or ordering groceries from Whole Foods through Grubhub when preparing meals.
Alexa+ is priced at $19.99 per month, with complimentary access for Prime members, only usable with Echo Show 8, 10, 15, and 21. Eligible users will gradually receive access to these features.
Source: Amazon
TL;DR: Amazon has introduced Alexa+ with LLM-powered intelligence, tightly integrated with various Amazon devices and services, offering advanced functionalities like automated routines, video search by description, home event summary from Ring cameras, document reading and knowledge retrieval, news summaries from reputable sources, and multi-agent SDK integration for further service connections. Available for $19.99 monthly, free for Prime members, on select Echo Show models.
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