Amazon CEO Andy Jassy on Thursday hinted at an improved, “agentic” version of the company’s Alexa assistant — one that could take actions on a user’s behalf.
“I think that the next generation of these assistants and generative AI applications will be better at not just answering questions and summarizing, indexing, and aggregating data, but also taking actions,” he said during Amazon’s Q3 2024 earnings call. “And you can imagine us being pretty good at that with Alexa.”
Jassy added that Amazon continues to “re-architect the brain” of Alexa with “a new set of foundation models” that the company plans to reveal “in the near future.”
Amazon, which first announced that it’d revamp Alexa with generative AI technologies in 2023, is said to be replacing its own Alexa-powering models with Anthropic’s after encountering technical challenges. (Amazon is a major investor in Anthropic.) At one point during the Alexa redesign, the unreleased, upgraded assistant reportedly struggled to turn on smart lights and took up to six seconds to respond to queries.
The new Alexa, code-named “Remarkable Alexa” internally, will reportedly cost $5 to $10 per month, offered alongside a less capable free plan. Some reports indicated that it would arrive in October, but it’s seemingly suffering delays.
Bloomberg reports the timeline has slipped into 2025.
Time.news Interview: The Future of AI Assistants with Dr. Sarah Newton
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome, Dr. Newton! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the exciting developments in AI, particularly regarding Amazon’s Alexa. Recently, CEO Andy Jassy hinted at a new “agentic” version of Alexa that could take actions on users’ behalf. What are your thoughts on this shift in AI capabilities?
Dr. Sarah Newton (AI Expert): Thank you for having me! The concept of an “agentic” Alexa is fascinating. It’s a significant leap from merely responding to queries to proactively managing tasks for users. This could fundamentally change how we interact with technology in our daily lives.
Interviewer: Absolutely! Jassy mentioned that future AI will excel in not just answering questions but also performing tasks. How do you see this evolving the role of AI in our homes and workplaces?
Dr. Newton: As AI systems become more capable, they’re likely to integrate into various aspects of our lives — from managing schedules to controlling smart home devices, or even making purchases on our behalf. This shift empowers users to offload repetitive or mundane tasks, potentially increasing efficiency and productivity.
Interviewer: That sounds promising, but are there any concerns related to AI taking on these more autonomous roles?
Dr. Newton: Yes, there are several important considerations. Privacy is a major concern; as AI takes more initiative, it needs access to more personal data. Users would need assurances regarding how their information is used. Additionally, there’s the question of accountability. If an AI assistant makes a mistake, who is responsible — the user, the company, or the AI itself?
Interviewer: Those are valid points. As we think about the potential of these “smart” assistants, what should companies prioritize to ensure they’re addressing user concerns?
Dr. Newton: Transparency and user control are crucial. Companies like Amazon should prioritize clear communication about how their AI systems operate and how user data is handled. Additionally, giving users the option to customize how their AI assists them would foster trust and comfort. Regular updates about security measures and data management practices can also help build confidence in the technology.
Interviewer: It sounds like building trust will be essential as these technologies develop. Are there specific features or capabilities you believe should be integrated into these advanced AI assistants?
Dr. Newton: Yes! I think advanced predictive capabilities could enhance user experience dramatically. For instance, if an AI could learn a user’s habits and preferences over time, it could preemptively assist with tasks like scheduling meetings or ordering groceries. However, this should always be paired with a user’s consent and the ability to override any decision made by the AI.
Interviewer: That makes a lot of sense. With all these advancements on the horizon, where do you see the future of AI assistants in the next five to ten years?
Dr. Newton: If we harness the potential of AI responsibly, I envision a future where these assistants become integral partners in our lives. They could collaborate with us, anticipate our needs, and help us navigate complex information. However, this future requires continued vigilance regarding ethical implications, user privacy, and data security.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Newton, for your insights! It’s clear that while advancements in AI could offer significant benefits, they come with important responsibilities. We’ll be watching closely as developments unfold.
Dr. Newton: Thank you! It’s an exciting time for AI, and I look forward to seeing how these innovations shape our lives in the years to come.