Amazon has unveiled a slew of new features and devices across its vast ecosystem. The company at its September hardware event launched new Echo and Fire devices along with new powers fort Alexa and more.
The company also delved into how generative AI will be the foundation of what drives the next step in its vision for ambient intelligence technology.
“This next generation of new devices and features are driven by advancements in AI and our vision of ambient intelligence. They’ll change the way you interact with your home,” the company said in its announcement post.
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Conversational Alexa powered by generative AI
Amazon introduced a more conversational and intelligent Alexa, powered by generative AI. This custom-built language model is optimised for voice interactions, making conversations with Alexa feel more natural and human-like. Customers in the US will soon be able to preview these features by simply saying “Alexa, let’s chat” to their existing Echo devices.
Additionally, Amazon is building new smart home experiences, powered by LLM, that make Alexa even easier to talk to and interact with. Users can now combine multiple requests into a single command, such as “Alexa, close all the blinds, turn off all the lights, and start the vacuum.” Additionally, Amazon is simplifying the creation of smart home routines entirely by voice, making it easier than ever for users to customize their home automation.
Additional new Alexa features were also unveiled such as Automatic Lighting which enables Alexa to intelligently detect room brightness and activity and managing it without the need for manual switches.
Alexa now supports eye gaze that allows users with mobility or speech disabilities to interact with Alexa using eye gaze, offering a hands-free, voice-free experience.
Call Translation allows real-time captioning of Alexa audio and video calls in multiple languages, breaking down language barriers and aiding remote communication, especially for deaf and people with hearing disabilities.
The Alexa Emergency Assist is a safety service allowing users to call for help via supported Echo devices, including features like 24/7 Urgent Response and Smart Alerts.
Alexa now also offers an educational experience for children by providing informative responses to questions about animals and nature. Alexa users can now also trigger routines using multiple voice commands or schedules.
Alexa has also been braced with a feature called top Connections that simplifies staying in touch with friends and family.
Map View
Amazon introduced Map View, enabling customers to create digital floor plans of their homes and easily manage connected devices. This feature will be available in the Alexa app later this year and on Echo Hub in early 2024.
New developer opportunities with LLM
Developers can now integrate Large Language Models into their Alexa experiences, providing ambient, multimodal, and conversational interactions. Developers can also use a no-code solution to enhance Alexa with external content and APIs.
Amazon unveiled an array of Echo devices:
Echo Show 8: The new Echo Show 8 features improved audio, display responsiveness, and room adaptation technology. It also offers Adaptive Content and Widget Quick Actions.
Echo Hub: Designed as a smart home control panel, Echo Hub boasts a thin, eight-inch, touch-enabled display with a customisable dashboard for managing smart devices and more. Echo Hub is easy to install and makes it simple for customers to group and manage smart home.
Echo Frames and Carrera Smart Glasses: These next-generation smart eyewear options combine fashion with Alexa functionality.
Echo Pop Kids: A charming and affordable smart speaker designed for kids.
TalkBack Voice Comments: Users can leave voice comments for their local iHeart radio stations directly from their Echo devices.
Amazon’s Fire TV lineup also received significant upgrades:
Fire TV Stick 4K Max: A powerful streaming media player with Wi-Fi 6E support, enhanced audio and video capabilities, and more storage.
Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen): A high-performance, budget-friendly streaming stick.
Fire TV Soundbar: A two-channel soundbar with DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio support.
AI-powered Search: Combines generative AI with Fire TV’s content library for more natural content discovery.
AI Art: Allows users to create artwork using voice commands.
Continue Watching Row: Aggregates favourite content in one place for easy access.
Fire TV Channels on Echo Show: Echo Show users can access over 420 live and ad-supported video channels.
Fire TV MGM+ Bundle: Purchase a Fire TV streaming media player or smart TV and enjoy a six-month subscription to MGM+.
Fire Tablets and Amazon Kids+
Amazon unveiled new Fire HD 10 Kids and Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablets, along with features like Music Maker and Play Together Games to provide enriching experiences for kids and families.
Ring’s advanced security solutions
Ring introduced the Stick Up Cam Pro, featuring 3D Motion Detection and Audio+. Routines in the Ring app will also enable seamless control of Alexa Routines.
Blink’s innovative security products
Blink unveiled the Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera, Outdoor 4 Battery Extension Pack, and the Sync Module Pro, expanding its lineup of security solutions.
eero’s Wi-Fi 7 Mesh System
Amazon’s eero Max 7 is the company’s first Wi-Fi 7 mesh system, offering faster speeds, improved latency, and extended range.
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