If you’re wondering when voice assistants will be embraced by generative artificial intelligence, Amazon has the answer.
On Wednesday, the retail giant unveiled an evolved version of Alexa, powered by generative artificial intelligence. Amazon’s soon-to-be voice assistant technology will be based on a proprietary LLM model that will be “custom-built and specifically optimized for voice interactions and what we know our customers love – real-time information, competent sharp home control , and maximize your home entertainment,” the announcement reads.
Since OpenAI’s ChatGPT launched the generative AI craze almost a year ago, techies have been wondering if and when voice assistants would get a much-needed update. Integrating LLM with voice assistants seemed like an ideal utilize case. However, this process is more complicated than deploying modern code or updating software because voice assistants utilize less vigorous artificial intelligence methods. With current voice assistants, machine learning and natural language processing are applied to a finite database of words and phrases. Alternatively, LLMs are able to generate modern information and utilize their knowledge to become smarter over time. Basically, Alexa has the same name but has a completely modern inner working.
Some of the modern Alexa features highlighted in the announcement include: lower latency, sensors in Amazon Echo devices to recognize non-verbal signals, integration with third-party APIs including a fictional character app Character.AI. Overall, the modern Alexa will be able to understand context, transfer information from previous conversations, and adapt to your household the more you utilize it.
Since this is just a preview, Amazon hasn’t shared many details about the modern Alexa’s timeline. However, it was noted that a free preview will soon be available for Alexa customers in the US.