While Google and Microsoft have frequently made headlines for their AI efforts, Amazon appears to be a quiet player ramping up its AI accelerator to capitalize on the generative AI boom. The retail behemoth began utilizing generative AI to assist users in better surfacing product ratings and reducing time spent sifting through a succession of individual reviews. Amazon makes this possible by identifying recurring themes and summarizing them into brief paragraphs on the product detail page.
At present, Amazon is using generative AI to power its gadgets and services. The world's largest online retailer announced new Echo and Fire TV devices, highlighting how Alexa is getting generative AI and a number of innovative ways Amazon uses the power of LLMMs to give real-world solutions to its consumers at its September hardware launch event. Thanks to generative AI, Alexa could become a more capable and 'conversational' virtual assistant. Customers can participate in a preview to test these new generative AI features, which will be compatible with all current Echo devices on the market.
Here are the highlights of the Amazon event 2023:
Echo Show 8 Smart Display
Amazon launched its fall event with the announcement of the all-new Echo Show 8. The new smart display supports spatial audio and functions as a smart home hub. The Echo Show 8 can also sense the acoustics of a room and change the sound output accordingly. It has a new proximity sensor, a front-facing camera, and a physical switch to turn off the microphone. The new Echo Show 8 is now available for pre-order in the United States for $149.
Amazon Alexa Gets Generative AI Capabilities
Amazon Alexa is now equipped with generative AI. The generative AI models developed by the business will be available on all Echo-enabled devices, including the first-generation Echo smart speakers. According to Amazon, its generative AI model is created and optimized for voice, and it focuses on providing real-time information in addition to allowing consumers to handle their smart home items more efficiently.
Alexa's generative AI model will provide a far more in-depth conversational experience. Amazon will make its API available to third-party developers so that they can add their own LLMs to Alexa. Alexa will be able to deliver personalized reminders based on user interactions thanks to the AI model. Alexa, for example, will be able to suggest meals based on your supermarket purchases.
Dave Lim, Amazon's outgoing SVP of devices and services, says, “Alexa will now be able to interpret conversations and respond appropriately. Alexa can also reply to too many commands with a single command.”
Customers in the United States will soon get access to these new generative AI tools on Alexa via a free preview. Amazon has not stated when Echo customers in other countries could access these functions.
New Fire TV Stick Models, Fire TV Soundbar
Amazon also announced the release of its new Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Stick 4K Max, and Fire TV Soundbar. The new Fire TV Stick versions are powered by improved processors and are expected to function faster than previous generation models. Dolby Vision, Wi-Fi 6, HDR10, and HDR 10 Plus are all supported with the Fire TV Stick 4K. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max, which costs only $10 more than the basic 4K stick, has twice the capacity (16GB) and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity.
Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the company's first streaming video player to offer the Fire TV Ambient Experience. Previously, the capability was only available to consumers who purchased Fire TV Omni QLED series TV models. The Fire TV Stick 4K costs $49.99, and the Fire TV Stick 4K Max costs $59.99.
Fire TV Soundbar
Amazon also revealed its new Fire TV Soundbar, as well as fresh Fire TV upgrades. The new variant has a 24-inch screen and is compatible with all previous Fire TV devices. It also offers Bluetooth connectivity, allowing customers to couple their gadgets even when they aren't watching TV. The new Fire TV Soundbar costs $119.99 in the United States.
An Upgraded Fire TV Experience Powered by Generative AI
Fire TV, like Alexa, is getting generative AI. The new Fire TV experience promises to improve search and recommendations by merging Fire TV's enormous library with generative AI. The new Fire TV experience, according to Amazon, will make it easier for customers to find new content in a more conversational manner. Customers will be able to ask Alexa to identify content based on certain keywords like actors, scenes, genres, and so on.
Amazon Echo Frames
Amazon revealed a new version of its Echo Frames audio spectacles during its autumn event. The next-generation Echo Frames now have a battery life of up to six hours. According to Amazon, users may now pair and exchange frames between two devices. Amazon's new Echo Frames audio glasses, which start at $269.99, are available in five new styles, including prescription-ready and blue light lenses. In comparison to their predecessors, the new Echo Frames offer significantly improved music quality thanks to new custom-built speakers that can produce greater bass while minimizing outside noise. The glasses appear considerably more natural and are intended to provide a completely hands-free experience.
Amazon Echo Hub Smart Home Control Panel
Amazon unveiled the all-new Echo Hub at its autumn product presentation. The Echo Hub is Amazon's first smart home controller that resembles a simple touchscreen tablet rather than a smart display. It is capable of controlling your smart home experiences. The new Echo Show 5 runs the same operating system as the 8-inch tablet-like device. However, it does not include a camera.
The Echo Hub includes a configurable smart home dashboard that allows consumers to manage their smart home devices through a simple interface. When an Echo Hub detects a client close, it automatically turns to the Home Screen. When the user is not there, it can revert to a default setting, such as a clock. In the United States, the Echo Hub costs $179.99.