Alexa users in the UK will be getting an AI update that's already been trialled in the US to varying reactions.
It's called Alexa+ and it's designed to make people's Amazon Echo dot speakers more conversational in nature which Brits can try for free for now.
According to The Guardian, Amazon reckons over half the households in the UK have got an Alexa kicking around somewhere and they report this AI-based update is designed to get people to engage with the gadgets more often.
Brits are still talking to their speakers as Amazon claims over the past three years there's been 114 billion interactions between people in the UK and Alexa, but the BBC points out there's been criticism that the gadget has been left behind in recent years by the development of AI.
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There's plenty of technology out there to talk to, and people are chatting with large language models such as ChatGPT an awful lot, so this is Amazon's attempt to steer those conversations back through their devices.
It's also supposed to have a better ability to control the smart devices in your house and carry out more complicated tasks such as delivering takeaways.
The early access period started yesterday (19 March) and is open to those who buy a new eligible device from the latest generation of Amazon's Echo and Show ranges, while existing customers will also be given invitations to try it out.
Once the early access period is over Alexa+ will cost £19.99 a month unless you're a Prime customer, in which case it'll be free and part of the package.
Amazon says: "She keeps you entertained, helps you learn, keeps you organized, summarizes complex topics, and can converse about virtually anything. Alexa+ can manage and protect your home, make reservations, and help you track, discover, and enjoy new artists."
While the US has already been trying this thing out, the version in the UK is meant to have a more British personality as The Guardian had one telling them: "Commiserations, mate, Chelsea lost 3-0 in the Champions League last night against Paris Saint-Germain."
It's supposed to understand what you mean by a 'cuppa' or to adjust its weather recommendations if you tell it that it's 'nippy' outside.
Reviewing Alexa+, the Daily Telegraph found it was easier to talk to, there was less of the 'I'm sorry, I didn't quite get that', but the AI did talk a lot more than was necessary as was typical for artificial intelligence.
They found the British personality for the AI would throw the word 'mate' into conversations and say it was 'having a gander' at things, but it was generally easier to converse with and control than Alexa used to be.
While the AI is meant to be able to understand you better, not everyone who's used Alexa+ has been a big fan of it.
When Wired got the update during the US early access they found themselves reminding readers you could say 'exit Alexa+' to switch off the features after being given a frustrating run-around as the AI would play different songs to the ones asked for and struggled to understand requests.
The Guardian also warned that some of the criticisms from the US involved the AI being inconsistent and making things up, anyone who's tried getting information from an AI will know their ability to be confidently wrong about things from time to time.
Amazon says their AI update will be 'deeply personal' as they explained it's going to be 'learning your preferences, understanding your household’s routines, and adapting to your life'.
It's going to be up to you to decide whether that's something you want, as Amazon says you'll be able to listen to exactly what their gadgets can hear you say, as well as control how long it stores recordings of your voice.
Topics: Amazon, AI, Technology, UK News
Joe Harker