The release of Amazon's artificial intelligence (AI)-based voice assistant 'Alexa' has been postponed until at least March 31. It was originally scheduled to be unveiled on the 26th, but the schedule was delayed due to issues with inaccurate responses discovered during the testing process.
Alexa, which was first introduced in 2014, is a voice assistant for which Amazon announced a major overhaul in September 2023, signaling a new version that incorporates generative AI. The core of this upgrade is its evolution into a conversational AI, moving beyond simple question-and-answer functionality, and competition with Apple's 'Siri' is anticipated.
The new Alexa will provide more sophisticated responses based on large language models (LLM) and will include a 'smart briefing' feature that delivers daily news summaries generated by the AI according to user preferences. Additionally, shopping support features will be enhanced, allowing users to inquire about product details or receive alerts for discounts.
However, unlike the existing free model, this version will operate as a subscription service costing up to $10 per month. As the release of Alexa continues to be delayed, attention is focused on how the competitive landscape within the AI voice assistant market will change.