AI Alexa could cost almost R$30 a month, insiders say

Amazon is considering charging monthly subscriptions to users who want to use Alexa in conjunction with generative artificial intelligence (AI), people familiar with the matter interviewed by Amazon say. Reuters. A. Powered by the company’s advanced models, the new virtual assistant will represent a dramatic renewal of the platform.

The new AI virtual assistant is currently known internally as “Banyan,” a reference to ficus trees, and will be a major upgrade to Alexa. According to sources, the update is sometimes called “Extraordinary Alexa” (direct translation: “Important Alexa”).

The functions of the old assistant will still be available, but AI-enhanced version will be available to paying customers only. The cost of the package will be between $5 and $10 (R$27 – R$54 in direct conversion).

Insiders said this update would be a “desperate attempt” to revitalize Alexa and turn it into a monetizable product. So far, the company has covered all costs of the assistant because it is a complex product to capitalize.

Also, at the same time Amazon’s “more official” introduction to the AI ​​virtual assistant race. The company, which has not presented its own rival to the industry so far, allows Google, Microsoft and even Apple to compete without a rival.

Former Amazon employees claim they encountered difficulties in the development of AI-powered Alexa. In addition to technical hurdles inherent in the product, internal issues will also slow down the process.

But now, Amazon seems to want to speed up the process. According to information sources ReutersThe company wants the new Alexa to be ready by August. This deadline will be a result of the company’s CEO Andy Jassy’s personal interest in new artificial intelligence.

But nothing is guaranteed and everything depends on the success of the “Banyan” project. Neither the price nor the date can be determined at this time.