Amazon's Alexa+ now features 'Alexa Podcasts,' an on-demand AI podcast function that lets you turn your favorite topics into audio episodes in just a few minutes.
Amazon has launched 'Alexa Podcasts,' a new feature for its AI-powered voice assistant 'Alexa+', which generates podcast-style audio episodes on user-specified themes in just a few minutes.
Alexa Podcasts: AI-generated audio episodes on any topic, on demand
Alexa+ is Amazon's next-generation AI assistant, a reimagining of Alexa using generative AI. While the original Alexa focused on single voice commands such as 'answering questions,' 'playing music,' and 'controlling smart home devices,' Alexa+ is characterized by its ability to maintain natural conversations, remember context, and continue interactions across Echo devices, Fire TV, the Alexa app, and browsers. With Alexa Podcasts, users don't need to upload materials or do any prior preparation; they can simply tell Alexa+ about topics they're interested in, and an AI-generated host voice will be created to produce audio episodes.
Amazon rolls out 'Alexa+' to all US users; Prime members can use it for free - GIGAZINE
When you tell Alexa+ what topic you want to know about, it will gather relevant information. Amazon explains that it has partnered with Associated Press, Reuters, The Washington Post, TIME, Forbes, Business Insider, Politico, USA Today, as well as publications under Condé Nast, Hearst, and Vox, and more than 200 local newspapers across the United States, enabling Alexa+ to provide accurate and real-time news and information.
Once relevant information is gathered, Alexa+ first presents an overview of what will be covered in the audio episode. Users can adjust the length and direction of the episode in a conversational format before it is generated. Once the user is satisfied with the content, Alexa+ creates a recording using an AI-generated host voice.
Once your audio episode is complete, you'll receive a notification on your Echo Show device and the Alexa app. Tapping the notification will allow you to play the episode. Completed audio episodes can also be found later in the 'Music and More' section of your Echo Show or the Alexa app. This feature is designed for use while on the go, for example, by listening to them on the Alexa app.
Amazon lists a wide range of uses for audio learning, from keeping up with current events like sports results, major music releases, and movie reviews, to home-use audio materials for learning about the Apollo program and how meteors work, and audio guides for preparing for trips by studying ancient Roman history, Tokyo culture, Chicago architecture, and the mysteries of Machu Picchu. Furthermore, it can be used for hobbies such as home brewing, drone photography, sourdough bread making, content creation, and pickleball strategy, as well as for work-related learning such as career changes, industry research, and leadership strategies.
Alexa Podcasts are currently available to Alexa+ users in the United States. In the US, Alexa+ is included with Prime membership at no additional cost, while non-Prime members can subscribe for $19.99 per month (approximately 3180 yen). Although Alexa+ is expanding beyond the US, the timing of its release in Japan has not yet been announced.
Amazon says it is exploring ways to create a variety of on-demand audio content, including personalized news briefings and custom audio based on information and documents shared by users. Amazon describes Alexa Podcasts as 'the beginning of a new way of learning, gathering information, and consuming content in a way that suits your life.'
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