Amazon is using generative artificial intelligence to enhance its devices and services. At a hardware event in September, the world’s largest online retailer announced new Echo and Fire TV devices, revealed how Alexa is getting generative AI, and how Amazon is leveraging the power of LLMM to deliver real-world solutions to its customers. An interesting way. With generative artificial intelligence, Alexa will become a more powerful “conversational” virtual assistant. Customers will be able to participate in the preview to test these new generative AI features, which will be available on all existing Echo devices on the market.
Here’s a rundown of all the major announcements from Amazon’s fall hardware event on Wednesday:
New Echo Show 8 smart display released
Amazon kicked off its fall event by announcing the new Echo Show 8. The new smart display features spatial audio support and smart home hub functionality. The Echo Show 8 can also “sense” the acoustics in a room and adjust its sound output accordingly. It comes with a new proximity sensor, a front-facing camera on top, and a physical switch to turn off the microphone. The new Echo Show 8 is available for pre-order in the United States starting today, priced at $149.
Amazon Alexa gets generative AI capabilities
Amazon Alexa finally gets generative artificial intelligence. The company’s generative AI models will work on all Echo-enabled devices, including the first-generation Echo smart speakers. Amazon says its generative AI models are designed and optimized for voice and focus on providing real-time information in addition to giving consumers more effective control over smart home products.
Alexa’s generative AI models will provide a deeper conversational experience. Amazon will open up its API to allow third-party developers to add their own LLMs to Alexa. Artificial intelligence models will enable Alexa to provide personal reminders based on user interactions. For example, Alexa will be able to recommend recipes based on the groceries you buy.
Dave Lim, Amazon’s outgoing senior vice president of devices and services, said Alexa will now be able to understand conversations and respond with appropriate context. Alexa is also able to respond to multiple requests for a single command.
U.S. customers will soon be able to use these new generative AI features on Alexa through a free preview. Amazon has yet to announce when Echo users in other countries will be able to take advantage of these features.
New Fire TV Stick models, Fire TV Soundbar launched
Amazon also announced the next-generation Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Stick 4K Max, and a new Fire TV Soundbar. The new Fire TV Stick models feature an upgraded processor that delivers faster performance compared to the previous generation model. Fire TV Stick 4K supports Dolby Vision, Wi-Fi 6, HDR10, and HDR 10 Plus. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is only $10 more than the standard 4K stick and offers twice the storage (16GB) and Wi-Fi 6E support.
Fire TV Stick 4K Max is Amazon’s first streaming media player to support Fire TV Ambient Experience. The feature was previously limited to customers with Fire TV Omni QLED series TV models. The Fire TV Stick 4K is priced at $49.99, and the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is priced at $59.99.
Fire TV Soundbar launched
Amazon also released a new Fire TV Soundbar and a new Fire TV update. The new model features a compact 24-inch design and is compatible with all existing Fire TV devices. It also supports Bluetooth connectivity, allowing customers to pair devices when not streaming content through their TV. The new Fire TV Soundbar is priced at $119.99 in the United States.
An upgraded Fire TV experience powered by generative AI
Just like Alexa, Fire TV is embracing generative artificial intelligence. The new Fire TV experience promises to improve search and recommendations by combining Fire TV’s rich library with generative artificial intelligence. Amazon says the new Fire TV experience will make it easier for customers to discover new content in a more conversational way. Customers will be able to ask Alexa to find content based on specific keywords such as actors, specific scenes, genres, etc.
New Amazon Echo Frame launched
At its fall event, Amazon released a new version of its Echo Frames audio glasses. The next generation Echo Frame now offers up to 6 hours of battery life. Amazon says you can now pair and switch frames between the two devices. Amazon’s new Echo Frames audio glass starts at $269.99 and comes in five new styles, including prescription lenses and blue light lenses.
The new Echo Frame promises better audio quality with new custom speakers that deliver more bass while minimizing external noise compared to its predecessor. The glasses look more natural and are designed to provide a completely hands-free experience.
Amazon Echo Hub smart home control panel released
Amazon launched its new Echo Hub today at its fall device event. The Echo Hub is the company’s first smart home controller and looks more like a simple touchscreen tablet than a smart display. It can be used to control your smart home experience. The tablet-like 8-inch device runs the same operating system as the new Echo Show 5. However, it does not come with a camera.
Echo Hub offers a customizable smart home dashboard that allows customers to manage their smart home devices using an easy-to-use interface. The Echo Hub uses infrared light to detect when customers are nearby and automatically switches to the home screen. When the user leaves, it can switch back to default settings, such as the clock. The Echo Hub is priced at $179.99 in the United States.