Amazon Gears Up to Launch Enhanced Alexa and Introduce Monthly Subscription

Shares of Amazon.com (AMZN) saw an uptick in trading on Wednesday amid reports that the company is gearing up to enhance its popular voice assistant, Alexa. This development comes alongside intriguing media speculation that Amazon may be setting the stage to offer Alexa through a monthly subscription model, distinct from its existing Amazon Prime service.

Enhancements to Alexa

Amazon is reportedly working to improve Alexa by integrating generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) technology. This upgrade is aimed at offering more advanced and versatile features to its users. Sources close to the project have suggested that these improvements are likely to be introduced later in the year.

New Subscription Plans

According to a report by CNBC, which references individuals familiar with Amazon's plans, the company is considering a new pricing strategy for Alexa. To recoup the investment on the newly enhanced features, Amazon is contemplating a monthly fee for Alexa, which would be an independent offering separate from the Prime membership. The pricing details, however, remain under wraps as they have yet to be finalized.

Amazon, Alexa, Subscription