Amazon's AI Alexa Gets a Boost with Anthropic's Claude

Amazon's much-anticipated generative AI version of Alexa is set to launch in October, but with a significant change in its tech stack. After facing challenges with its proprietary models, Amazon has turned to Anthropic's Claude AI to power the next-gen voice assistant.

Close up view of Amazon Echo
Photography by HeikoAL on Pixabay
Published: Wednesday, 20 November 2024 10:37 (EST)
By Emily Wong

The generative AI version of Alexa, initially announced in September 2023, was touted as a major upgrade, offering more advanced conversational abilities and the capability to handle multiple smart home tasks with simpler commands. However, the journey hasn't been smooth. According to a report by Reuters, early versions of the AI-powered Alexa, which relied on Amazon's own large language models, struggled to deliver a seamless user experience.

Sources familiar with the matter revealed that these early versions often took six to seven seconds to respond to prompts, a delay that is far from ideal in the fast-paced world of voice assistants. This led Amazon to pivot towards using Anthropic's Claude AI models, which reportedly outperformed Amazon's proprietary software in internal tests.

Amazon has also hinted that the new AI-powered Alexa will come with a subscription fee, a move likely aimed at offsetting the significant losses the company has incurred from the voice assistant over the years. While the exact pricing and features are yet to be confirmed, the shift to Anthropic's technology could be a game-changer for Alexa's performance and user satisfaction.

As of now, Amazon has not officially confirmed the release date, but the October launch window seems promising. With the integration of Claude AI, users can expect a more responsive and capable Alexa, potentially setting a new standard for AI-driven voice assistants.

Artificial Intelligence

A female doctor in a white coat is sitting at a desk, smiling and looking at a male patient. She is holding a clipboard in her hand.
AI in Finance vs Healthcare: Who's Winning the AI Race?

AI is revolutionizing both finance and healthcare. But which industry is pushing the boundaries of AI innovation further? Discover the key differences here.
A film set with a lot of people, cables, and equipment
How AI Algorithms Are Revolutionizing Film Production

AI algorithms are reshaping the film industry in ways you wouldn't believe. From scriptwriting to editing, find out how AI is changing the art of filmmaking.
A man in a suit shakes hands with another man in a suit. They are both smiling.
Can AI Algorithms Negotiate Peace Better Than Humans?

Can AI algorithms outperform human diplomats in peace negotiations? The idea may sound far-fetched, but the future of diplomacy might just be algorithmic.
A large cargo ship with many containers
AI in Supply Chain: The Hidden Power You Didn't Know

AI is revolutionizing supply chains, but most people have no idea. Find out how algorithms are reshaping the industry in ways you never expected.
A businessman is standing in an office environment and holding a clipboard with a drawing of a digital marketing plan. He is using a pen to point at a specific element of the plan and looking directly at the camera. The background is blurred and depicts an office setting with computers and a desk.
AI Algorithms in Advertising: The Future of Marketing

Discover how AI algorithms are transforming advertising, from hyper-personalized campaigns to real-time data analysis, and what it means for the future of marketing.
A dramatic scene of a tornado ripping through a city street, with debris flying through the air and buildings in the background.
How AI Algorithms Are Transforming Disaster Management

Explore the role of AI algorithms in disaster management, from early detection to real-time response, and how they are quietly saving lives worldwide.