Alexa+ has finally landed!
Early access for Amazon's next-generation personal assistant "Alexa+", realized by generative AI (LLM), began on October 29.
To coincide with this, Amazon is launching the smart clock "Echo Time" (¥35,980) and the new smart speaker "Echo Dot" (¥17,980).
Echo Speakers Compatible with Alexa+, Detecting Sleep with Ultrasound
The Echo Time features a hemispherical form factor with a 3.2-inch circular touchscreen display. In addition to over 100 clock designs, it can display essential information such as alarms, currently playing music, and the day's weather.
It also comes equipped with a sensor function called Omnisense, which understands its surroundings and operates based on presence detection, indoor temperature sensing, and tap gestures. Using ultrasound, it recognizes the user's breathing waveform and distance from the device, supporting a comfortable wake-up experience.
In addition to detecting the user's sleep and waking them at the appropriate time, it gradually brightens the display according to the wake-up time. When combined with separately sold smart lights, it can fill the room with light as you wake. Of course, smart home applications such as opening/closing curtains, turning on lights, and playing news or music are also possible.
On the other hand, with privacy in mind, it does not feature a camera. It also does not support video streaming or video calls. It comes in three colors: Graphite, Glacier White, and Coral Pink.
The new Echo Dot adopts a compact spherical design with an audio-transparent fabric made of 3D knit material. It is designed as a device for clearly enjoying music, podcasts, and audiobooks.
A unique feature not found in previous products is its ability to operate various smart home appliances as a smart hub, despite being an entry-level Echo Dot series device.
The device is equipped with Amazon's proprietary AI accelerator "AZ3 chip," which is utilized for conversation detection and ambient noise reduction. Like the Echo Time, it also supports Omnisense. It also features a Voice ID function that recognizes whose voice it is and suggests personalized playlists.
Alexa+: Incredibly Natural Conversations and Highly Capable
Amazon has introduced 24 examples of Alexa+'s capabilities, but the key point is that it can not only understand and operate based on voice commands but also engage in truly natural conversations.
Echo devices equipped with Alexa were sometimes introduced as AI speakers, but in reality, they were devices operated by voice commands. For example, when playing music or movies, it was previously necessary to specify the song or title, otherwise, precise operation was not possible.
In contrast, with Alexa+, even ambiguous instructions allow it to infer intent from the content, suggest optimal candidates, and enable enjoyment on Fire TV or Echo speakers. It can also automate your home by linking with various smart home devices.
Alexa+ compatible devices
It provides witty responses even in casual conversations. It recognizes who the user is by their voice, offers suggestions tailored to their preferences, and provides appropriate answers based on memories of past conversations.
While functioning as a conversational partner, it also has features to assist with daily tasks.
If you show it documents captured by a camera, it can extract only the relevant parts for you and point out important details. If an appointment arises from this, it can find an open slot in your schedule and add it to your calendar. If there's a conflicting appointment, it can even draft a cancellation email on your behalf.
If you show it available ingredients, it can suggest efficient dinner recipes. If you're worried about what to wear tomorrow or if you've forgotten anything, it can refer to the weather forecast and your destination to advise you. If you need to stock up on something, it can monitor prices on Amazon.co.jp and place an order when the price drops.
If you have plans to meet relatives or friends, it can suggest suitable locations and menu options based on their personalities, and even proceed with booking the suggested restaurant.
If you want to complete household chores like cleaning when you go out, it can turn off lights and air conditioning, lock doors, and activate a robot vacuum cleaner. Routine actions like playing music to keep your pet from getting bored can also be created/adjusted simply by conveying your desires in natural conversation, such as "I want to do this, and these steps are needed," without requiring smartphone or app operations.
Alexa+ was announced overseas in early last year. Over a year and a half has passed since then, and its deployment in Japan has finally begun. An Amazon representative emphasized that Alexa+ is not merely a translation of overseas AI features for Japan, but rather has been designed to understand the culture and customs of Japanese users and provide responses tailored to their preferences.
Alexa+'s AI is composed of a combination of over 70 models, enabling language recognition suited to unique Japanese conversational styles, understanding Japanese customs and humor, and being well-versed in Japanese music, cuisine, and culture. It can also provide seasonal responses for events like Halloween and Hanami (cherry blossom viewing).
The key point is that through natural conversation, it's not just about having a conversation or conveying instructions, but truly feeling like you're talking to someone who understands you. If you say "It's dark," it turns on the lights; if you say "It's a bit cold," it adjusts the air conditioner temperature. When you respond with "Daijoubu" (It's okay/fine), it understands whether that means "no problem" or "not needed" depending on the context.
Early access is available to those who newly purchase Alexa+-compatible Echo devices, Fire TV, or smart TVs with Fire TV built-in, among others. Notifications will be progressively extended to those who already own compatible devices. After the early access period ends, it is planned to be offered as a monthly subscription service for ¥3,000, but Amazon Prime members will reportedly be able to use it without additional charge.
