If you’re looking to maximize Alexa’s potential using artificial intelligence, you’re in for a treat.
Alexa has now received a new look equipped with the latest generative AI technology. If you want to unlock Alexa’s full potential with artificial intelligence, here’s some good news for you. As companies are trying to capitalize on the AI boom, it’s no surprise that generative AI technology is becoming a main focus for major tech companies like Nvidia, Volkswagen, and Amazon.
Launched in November 2014, Alexa is Amazon’s virtual assistant, primarily associated with Amazon Echo and Echo Dot smart speakers. However, Alexa’s reach is not limited to these devices; it is also embedded in smart displays, Fire TV, and various third-party products. Alexa interacts with users using voice recognition, provides information, and controls smart home devices.
Recently, Amazon unveiled new generative AI-powered experiences created by three innovative developers: Character.AI, Splash, and Volley Games. These AI-powered experiences are now available in the Amazon Alexa Skill Store.
In September 2023, Amazon announced new tools for developers to create experiences powered by large language models (LLMs), further enhancing Alexa’s capabilities.
But what kind of AI does Alexa use? Essentially, Alexa relies on conversational AI systems that enable natural, voice-based interactions. This technology brings to life the type of seamless, interactive conversations we’ve long imagined, such as those with voice-enabled devices like Amazon Echo.
The Character.AI Alexa skill allows users to have real-time conversations with synthetic personas, including both fictional and historical figures. You can talk to ‘Librarian Linda,’ a personal trainer, or even an imaginative version of Socrates. To use this skill, simply say, ‘Alexa, open Character.AI,’ and choose from various assistants, helpers, or celebrities ready to chat with you.
The second AI experience comes from Splash, an AI-powered music creation platform. This skill enhances your music experience with Alexa, allowing you to create custom songs, explore different genres, and even write lyrics with your voice.
Now there’s the AI experience Volley, which is an AI version of the popular ’20 Questions’ game. Alexa will give you a category and challenge you to guess an object or character, providing hints through ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions until you (hopefully) arrive at the correct answer.
The integration of advanced AI into Alexa represents a significant development in Amazon’s virtual assistant capabilities. While AI has already been a part of Alexa, this new generative AI technology takes user interaction to a new level. It will be exciting to see how Amazon further expands Alexa’s AI-powered features in the future.