The presentation of Alexa+ a few days ago gave Amazon some luxury ideas. The online retail giant intends to launch more high-end products than Echo speakers, Kindle tablets, and other Fire TV sticks — they have certainly allowed Alexa (the version without AI generation) to establish itself in the assistant market. But now it is time to move upmarket and seek out rivals like Apple or Google.
New products presented this fall
Devices director Panos Panay, defector from Microsoft where he was in charge of the Surface ranges, explained to Bloomberg that Alexa+ products will now benefit from "the same care and attention" as they fall into the "entry-level, "core" or "signature" category. The speakers will have better sound, battery life will improve, as will security. Even if privacy takes a hit in the process...
Amazon now wants to be more "selective" in products branded with the assistant's colors: no more microwave ovens or talking fish. "Alexa+ will open the way to a multitude of new products and experiences," insists the manager. He and his team will identify "[the products] that matter most".
Augmented reality glasses and bracelets and/or connected watches could be part of this future catalog, and why not robots... despite the failure of Astro. "If a robot is going to be part of [Alexa+ products], then I'll do everything I can to make it a great robot," says Panos Panay. The first devices conceived and designed under this new leadership will be unveiled this fall, but there's still a long way to go before he realizes his vision. Amazon has tightened the purse strings on the device division, and the global assembly line is being disrupted by the current chaos at the White House. Panos Panay, however, assures us that he has a free hand.
Source: Bloomberg
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