Amazon to announce AI-powered Alexa and new Echo speakers at today's event: Here’s what we know

Amazon Alexa

Amazon is hosting an in-person event in New York, US, on February 26, where the shopping giant is expected to unveil an AI-powered upgrade for its voice assistant Alexa. The new version of Alexa is likely to understand natural language more easily and hold full conversations with users, among other potential tricks. Amazon is also expected to introduce new Echo speakers, including next-generation Echo and Echo Dot models at the event.

While Amazon hasn't officially revealed what's in store for its Alexa event, the company has shared little hints here and there in the build-up to the next device launch. According to Reuters, Amazon plans to roll out the AI-powered Alexa to a limited number of users for testing initially. Moreover, this beta version is expected to be free for these users, but the company is reportedly considering a monthly subscription fee of $5 to $10 at its full-time launch.

If we talk about its features, the new version of Alexa is expected to engage in more natural conversations with the user and will have improved contextual awareness. Leveraging AI, the voice assistant will be able to handle multiple prompts in sequence, allowing the speaker to perform multi-step tasks with the peripheral devices.

Moreover, Amazon may also introduce new Echo and Echo Dot models with dedicated AI hardware at the event. We can also expect a new bundled free subscription to AI-powered Alexa with these new devices. Further, some software enhancements for Fire TV streaming devices could be introduced, including AI-powered features for the Fire TV operating system.