Amazon Launches Subscription-Based Remarkable Alexa

Amazon is set to launch a new version of its Alexa voice assistant, internally dubbed 'Remarkable,' which will leverage Anthropic's Claude AI instead of relying on its own technology. This upgrade, scheduled for October 2024, aims to enhance Alexa's capabilities, enabling it to handle complex tasks and engage in longer, context-aware conversations. The service will be subscription-based, priced between $5 and $10 per month, while the basic version will remain free. This decision reflects Amazon's strategic shift to incorporate external AI solutions due to underperformance of its internal models, aiming to improve user experience and profitability. Beta testers for Claude Enterprise, Anthropic's latest product, include companies like GitLab and Midjourney, which highlights its growing influence in the AI landscape. The anticipated changes position Alexa to compete more effectively against rivals like Google’s Gemini and Apple’s Siri.