Alexa gains enhanced ChatGPT-like abilities with New LLM-powered AI model

Amazon unveiled its latest upgrade for the voice-assistant Alexa on September 20, 2023, introducing a custom-built Large Language Model (LLM). This move comes as the company strives to stay competitive in the AI industry.

During Amazon’s fall event in Arlington, Virginia, Dave Limp, the senior vice-president of devices and services, emphasised that the new model has been specifically tailored for voice interactions, focusing on features that customers cherish. This includes access to real-time information, efficient control of their smart home, and an enhanced home entertainment experience.

Amazon announces an enhanced Alexa LLM model, promising more natural conversations, real-time information, and reduced latency compared to previous versions. Limp highlighted that this new model is both larger and more versatile, representing a significant stride toward a distinct customer experience. The improved Alexa LLM will soon launch as a complimentary preview on Alexa-powered devices in the US.

Voice assistants like Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s Siri were hailed as technological feats in the mid-2000s, pioneering AI capabilities. However, the unexpected triumph of OpenAI’s ChatGPT last year marked a significant advancement. In recent times, generative AI has become a ubiquitous feature in every major product and application.