Alexa digital assistant to evolve with the help of AI. Next generation should have “more natural” and “genuine” conversations

The next generation of the digital assistant created by Amazon more than a decade ago will incorporate generative artificial intelligence (AI), going from Alexa to Alexa+. However, the assistant will continue to respond only to the word Alexa.

The news, which had already been reported by some media outlets a few months ago , was made official at an event this Wednesday in New York. The presentation was given by Panos Panay, who was previously one of the executives responsible for the product area at Microsoft.

Amazon is preparing changes to its Alexa assistant, including a monthly subscription to access more advanced conversations

According to Amazon’s announcement, Alexa+ will be able to “give more detailed responses” to requests and also “have more natural and fluid conversations that feel genuine.” With the capabilities of generative AI, it will be able to better understand issues such as context, whether of the current conversation or other interactions, or the meaning of requests.

The technology company also announced that Alexa+ will be equipped with greater personalization — that is, it will be able to “remember” issues such as favorite programs or dietary limitations and allergies (to help with shopping, for example).

In the US, Alexa+ will leverage partnerships with media outlets such as the Associated Press, Reuters, Time, USA Today and Politico to provide more information to users.