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Amazon is hammering out deals with news publishers ahead of its AI-enhanced Alexa upgrade

Feb 26, 2025 - businessinsider.com
Amazon is preparing to launch an AI-enhanced upgrade to its Alexa voice technology, aiming to increase publisher exposure through the platform. The company is negotiating licensing agreements with publishers to feature their news and information in the new Alexa feature, which will be unveiled at an event in New York. This initiative comes as publishers seek new avenues for traffic, with traditional platforms like Facebook and Google deprioritizing news content. The upgrade will allow Alexa users to hear publisher content read aloud or see citations with links on devices like the Echo Show.

Amazon has also engaged in discussions with companies such as Uber, Instacart, and Ticketmaster for the feature. Despite previous underwhelming engagement with Alexa skills, publishers see potential in reaching Alexa's audience of over 100 million devices. While the financial compensation from Amazon is described as "good" but not substantial, the primary advantage for publishers is increased exposure within Amazon's ecosystem. This move aligns with broader trends where AI companies, like OpenAI, partner with publishers to use their content for training and query responses, helping offset declines in traditional audience and advertising revenue.

Key takeaways:

  • Amazon is set to unveil an AI-enhanced Alexa upgrade that could boost publisher exposure.
  • Amazon is negotiating licensing deals with publishers to showcase their news and information in the new Alexa feature.
  • Some publishers hope the upgrade will lead to broader exposure as traffic from other tech platforms has declined.
  • Amazon's Alexa is installed on more than 100 million devices, offering a sizable audience for publishers.
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