New AI feature coming to Amazon Alexa-powered Echo devices

Alexa will soon be powered by a new LLM-powered generative AI model that adds additional ChatGPT-like capabilities to Alexa.

New Echo Show 8 with improved speaker system (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/The Indian Express)

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Amazon on Wednesday announced its next-generation Echo and Fire TV devices with new features and capabilities. Additionally, the company confirmed that Alexa will soon be powered by a new LLM-powered generative AI model that adds additional ChatGPT-like capabilities to Alexa.

What makes it even more special is the fact that the new AI-powered features will be available even for older Echo devices, including the very first Alexa-powered device—the Echo Plus. Here are all the major AI features coming to an Alexa-powered device near you:

Also read | Amazon makes Alexa ‘smarter’ as the generative AI arms race gets fierce

Rich conversations

To make your Alexa conversations even more personal, the new AI model will use both verbal and non-verbal cues. Amazon also claims that it has reduced latency. Alexa will soon support rich conversations by utilizing various sensors located on an Echo device to deliver natural-sounding conversations. These responses will be the right length for voice and will offer the most relevant and up-to-date information.

Complex routines using voice search

The new Alexa LLM also enables Echo devices to handle complex routines with just voice input. This includes but is not limited to announcing bedtime for kids, dimming the upstairs lights, turning on the porch light, and turning on the bedroom fan, all in a single command. This is achieved using LLM, which can integrate various APIs and process them intelligently, just like a human does.

Also read | Amazon 2023 devices event: From Echo Frames to Echo Show 8, here’s everything announced

Personalised information with context

The new Alexa LLM also enables Echo devices to offer more personalised content with context to add more value to the information. Powered by LLM, Alexa will learn over time and get better. Alexa can now answer follow-up questions for hours, making it easy for users to get relevant information with added context. It now also has an improved personality, where it can celebrate with you and even write a note to send to your friend or family for a specific occasion.