Amazon has released an update for Alexa that not only improves the speed and accuracy of responses but also expands its utility in users' homes and daily lives. This renovation includes greater compatibility with various services like GrubHub, Uber, Spotify, Apple Music, and Netflix, allowing for a more connected and hassle-free experience.
The update has also implemented a grounding system that allows Alexa to obtain verified information in real-time from sources such as Reuters, The Washington Post, TIME, and Forbes, ensuring more reliable answers. It is now possible to perform everyday tasks, such as setting up a bedtime routine, simply by using voice commands.
Amazon does not consider Alexa Plus as a generative artificial intelligence model but rather as a new generation of voice assistants. According to Carlos Pérez, Head of Alexa for the Americas, Mexico is one of the fastest-growing markets for Alexa. The primary aim of Alexa Plus is to be more conversational, intelligent, and personalized, making it easier for users to perform tasks efficiently and simply.
Among the new features of this version of Alexa is its ability to understand and execute tasks without requiring detailed commands, fluidly interpreting the user's intention. Amazon has worked on specific adaptations and integrations with local services like Uber and supermarkets to make Alexa Plus even more relevant to users.
This update, which will be available for $19.99 per month or for free to Amazon Prime subscribers, is expected to arrive in the United States next month. Alexa Plus will be compatible with Echo Show devices, Echo speakers, and the Alexa app on smartphones.
This enhanced version of Alexa stands out for its integration with Ring, Amazon's security system, allowing users to receive a video summary of detected activity in their homes while they were away. Its ability to interpret context, execute complex actions, and generate content in real-time marks an important advancement in the evolution of voice assistants. Most features will be available without the need for new hardware, although some advanced tools may require more recent devices.
