Alexa Plus gets AI upgrade for complex tasks
▼ Summary
– Amazon is updating Alexa Plus to connect with smart home devices from brands like Bosch, Delta, and iRobot, automatically routing requests to the correct device.
– The update, currently in preview, uses Amazon’s new AI developer toolkit to enable device makers to integrate unique capabilities not previously supported.
– Alexa Plus can handle multi-step requests, such as interpreting a user’s cleaning needs and selecting the correct washing machine cycle.
– Amazon is adopting the open-source Model Context Protocol (MCP) to allow more brands like Canva, Headspace, and Lyft to integrate with Alexa Plus later this year.
– Priceline will let users browse hotels and book trips via Alexa Plus, with payment through Amazon Wallet also coming for Atom Tickets, Fandango, and others.
Amazon is rolling out a significant update to its Alexa Plus assistant, giving it the ability to interact with smart home devices in more sophisticated ways. Currently in preview, this upgrade allows Alexa Plus to connect with brands including Bosch, Delta, Ecovacs, iRobot, Yale Home, Whirlpool, Tapo, and Eufy, automatically directing user requests to the appropriate device.
To illustrate, Amazon shared a scenario where a user with a compatible washing machine could say, “Alexa, my kid’s soccer jersey could use a deep clean, but the tag says cold wash only.” Alexa Plus would then navigate the washer’s cycle options and select the correct setting. These enhanced integrations are powered by Amazon’s new AI developer toolkit, designed to simplify the connection process for device makers, “including those with unique capabilities that weren’t supported before.”
The company widely launched its revamped AI assistant in February, which can handle multi-step requests and help users create routines using voice commands. However, its functionality has been limited to a select group of third-party services like Ticketmaster, OpenTable, Uber, Thumbtack, Expedia, Yelp, Square, and Angi.
To expand this reach, Amazon is adopting the Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open-source standard that enables AI models to link with external systems and tools. This move will allow more brands to integrate with Alexa Plus. Companies such as Canva, Headspace, Priceline, Lyft, Cengage, Virgin Atlantic, and Weekend are expected to launch integrations later this year.
For instance, Priceline will enable customers to browse hotel options and book trips directly through Alexa Plus. Additionally, Priceline, along with Atom Tickets, Cengage, Fandango, and Taskrabbit, will soon support payments via Amazon Wallet.
(Source: The Verge)