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AI-powered Alexa could nearly double your Amazon subscription costs
Alexa Emergency Assist will be supported on every Echo device, from the oldest Echo speaker to the newest Echo Show 8 (pictured).
Amazon Echo devices are potentially getting an AI-powered upgrade, but it won't come free.
According to a report from Reuters, which got its information from several anonymous Amazon employees, the company is working on a superior version of Alexa known as "Remarkable Alexa" that could replace the existing version. This new version will have two tiers -- a free option that does what the devices do now -- only a little bit better, and another option that injects even more generative AI.
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The generative AI version will reportedly cost between $5 and $10 per month, and Amazon will not include it with a Prime subscription.
What does generative AI Alexa look like? "Near-human-like conversations" to start, plus the ability to draft and send emails and take Uber Eats orders. Upgraded Alexa might also be able to handle multiple queries in succession, meaning you won't have to repeatedly say "Alexa" during a conversation.
Reuters also explained that Remarkable Alexa would be able to learn from your actions. With the existing Alexa, you can set routines for connected smart devices, so things like a coffee pot (or a luxury ice maker) whir to life on a set schedule. New Alexa, however, might learn that you turn on your ice maker each morning at the same time or fire up your TV to watch the same show at the same time, and handle those tasks for you.
Also: 5 ways Amazon can make an AI-powered Alexa subscription worth the cost
While $10 per month isn't much, whether customers will be willing to pay for the added features is an open question. An Amazon Prime subscription is $14.99 per month, or $139 for a year. Is an upgraded Alexa worth an additional $120 per year? The interviewed employees also warned that users might have to purchase additional Alexa devices to fully take advantage of Remarkable Alexa.
Amazon reportedly gave employees a 2024 deadline to have Remarkable Alexa ready, so we likely won't have to wait too much longer to find out.