Amazon Alexa is getting a generative AI upgrade later this month
Feb 06, 2025 - gsmarena.com
Amazon plans to revitalize its Alexa digital assistant by integrating generative AI advancements through a partnership with Anthropic, the creators of Claude AI. This collaboration aims to enhance Alexa's capabilities, allowing it to handle multiple prompts, remember user preferences, and act autonomously on behalf of users. Internally referred to as "Banyan" or "Remarkable Alexa," the upgraded version will offer more sophisticated interactions, such as modifying orders before completion. While "Classic Alexa" will remain available without new feature updates, the improved Alexa might initially be free for a limited user base, with potential subscription fees of $5 to $10 per month.
Analysts predict that if 10% of Alexa's current users subscribe at $5/month, the service could generate $600 million annually, addressing profitability concerns. Amazon executives are set to meet on February 14 to finalize the decision, with a potential launch event on February 26 featuring Panos Panay from Microsoft. This strategic move underscores Amazon's commitment to leveraging AI to enhance user experience and drive revenue growth in the digital assistant market.
Key takeaways:
Amazon plans to enhance Alexa using generative AI in partnership with Anthropic, investing $8 billion in the company.
The new Alexa will feature multi-prompt capabilities and remember user preferences, potentially acting as an agent for users.
Amazon is considering a subscription model for the new Alexa, with potential earnings of $600 million annually if 10% of users subscribe at $5/month.
An Amazon executive meeting on February 14 will determine the next steps, with a potential event on February 26 featuring Panos Panay.
