AMAZON has revealed a new and ultra-smart version of Alexa, its virtual voice-controlled assistant.
The new AI helper called Alexa Plus – which will be available on millions of gadgets – was hailed as “remarkable” by Amazon chief Andy Jassy.
Amazon has revealed a brand new Alexa Plus AI helper[/caption]
The new Alexa Plus was revealed by Amazon chief Andy Jassy in New York[/caption]
This “next generation Alexa” that talks like a human was unveiled a special AI event hosted by Amazon in New York.
Amazon’s Panos Panay said that the new Alexa “knows almost every instrument in your life”.
That included smart home gadgets, mobile devices, the people you’re connected to, and the apps you’re using – all in a bid to help you get stuff done.
Amazon showed off how Alexa Plus would be able to book restaurants for you, create recipes and set timers automatically, and control all of the gadgets in your home at once based on your mood.
“The rearchitecture of all of Alexa has happened, and I’m pumped about it,” said Amazon’s Panos Panay.
Panay described the old Alexa as “frustrating”, saying it would sometimes mishear you or be unable to help.
“While the vision for Alexa has been ambitious and remains incredibly compelling, until right this moment, we have been limited by the technology.
“Every once in a while, a technology comes around and it changes literally everything.”
Amazon says that Alexa is smarter than ever before, and will let you have humanlike conversations with the helper.
It can find a gift, order it, gift-wrap it, and ship it to your home with minimal input.
The new Alexa will remember your favourite food, movies, and interests.
And it’ll get smarter the more you use it, according to Amazon.
The new Alexa Plus voice is more expressive – and will pick up on emotional cues based on what you’re talking about.
If you’re using the Alexa app, there’s a smart home widget that lets you manage all of the gadgets in your home.
Amazon’s Panos Panay showed off Alexa Plus in a live demo during the announcement[/caption]
And you can create routines so that your home manages itself – like turning all of the lights off at a specific time, and then playing some music too.
Developing…
