At CES 2024, artificial intelligence took center stage, overshadowing the usual spotlight on laptops and electric vehicles. Among the companies showcasing their advancements in AI integration was Amazon, which unveiled new third-party Alexa experiences, demonstrating the expanded capabilities of voice assistants through generative AI. These experiences ranged from AI chatbots to tools for music creation, emphasizing the potential for large language models to enhance the functionality of voice-controlled devices like Alexa.
One of Amazon’s notable announcements was its partnership with BMW, aiming to replace traditional car manuals with AI-powered assistance. Through new Alexa capabilities, BMW owners can engage in natural conversations with Alexa to learn about their vehicles. This feature eliminates the need for owners to sift through complicated manuals; instead, they can ask Alexa for information on BMW drive modes or how specific features operate. Alexa responds conversationally, providing tailored and easy-to-understand explanations, streamlining the learning process for new BMW owners.
In addition to the BMW partnership, Amazon highlighted new Alexa skills developed by third-party companies utilizing generative AI. Among these innovations, Character.ai introduced conversational characters powered by AI, enabling users to receive fitness motivation, historical insights from figures like Socrates, or book recommendations from a virtual librarian. Splash focused on AI-driven music creation, allowing users to build a custom song by dictating genres, lyrics, and more through voice commands. Volley introduced an enhanced version of the game “20 Questions,” leveraging generative AI for deeper interactions and conversations with players.
Amazon also provided updates on AI developments through its investment arm, the Alexa Fund. Two portfolio companies, MultiOn and Embodied, showcased their work on AI personal agents and robotic companions. Embodied’s Moxie robot, designed to offer academic and emotional support to children, is set to be available for purchase in 2024.
Furthermore, Amazon Web Services (AWS), the cloud computing subsidiary of Amazon, announced a partnership with Siemens. This collaboration aims to bring the power of generative AI to various industries globally. Siemens will integrate Amazon’s Bedrock, a service providing high-performing foundation models through a single API, into its low-code platform Mendix. This integration facilitates a seamless process for customers to incorporate AI into their applications quickly and securely using AWS resources.
In summary, Amazon’s showcase at CES 2024 highlighted the increasing role of AI in enhancing user experiences across various domains, from automotive assistance to entertainment and robotics. The company’s partnerships and collaborations underscore its commitment to advancing AI technologies and making them more accessible to users and businesses alike.
