Amazon is doubling down on its Alexa-powered devices, with plans to release at least 8 new voice-controlled hardware devices before the end of the year, CNBC has learned.
The devices include, among others, a microwave oven, an amplifier, a receiver, a subwoofer, and an in-car gadget, people familiar with the matter said. All of the devices will be Alexa-enabled, meaning they can easily connect to the voice assistant. Some of the devices will also have Alexa built in.
Amazon is expected to reveal some of these devices at an event later this month, according to an internal document describing the plans.
The new devices reflect Amazon's ambition to make its Alexa voice technology ubiquitous by focusing on areas where people spend most of their time — at home and in the car. Alexa was initially considered a geeky experiment at Amazon. Now it is now one of the most popular voice assistants, leading the growth of the burgeoning smart speaker market, which is expected to be worth $30 billion by 2024, according to Global Market Insights.
Alexa-"powered" microwave ovens would be among the first consumer "AI" devices with the ability to harm small animals or babies.
Also at The Verge.
(Score: 2) by krishnoid on Tuesday September 18 2018, @09:23PM (3 children)
Even worse, but with additional wacky possibilities: Prostitute is also named "Alexa".
(Score: 2) by takyon on Tuesday September 18 2018, @09:27PM (2 children)
All prostitutes are named Alexa, and all restaurants are Taco Bell.
[SIG] 10/28/2017: Soylent Upgrade v14 [soylentnews.org]
(Score: 2) by krishnoid on Tuesday September 18 2018, @10:05PM
I never understood that marketing statement. If that's the case, wouldn't you want to eat literally *anywhere* else while you still had the option? I bet Stallone could justify the ratburger for that reason alone.
(Score: 2) by DannyB on Wednesday September 19 2018, @06:04PM
You must mean Taco Bellyache.
The lower I set my standards the more accomplishments I have.