Andy Jassy, CEO of Amazon, announced plans to integrate advertisements into conversations users have with the newly launched Alexa+. This advanced version of the Alexa voice assistant, equipped with artificial intelligence, was introduced in February and features numerous enhancements. Currently, it is available in the United States, where Amazon reports millions of users are already utilizing its services.
Alexa+ May Introduce Ads During Chats
During a recent earnings call discussing the company’s performance in the second quarter, which concluded in June, Jassy highlighted the progress achieved with the latest iteration of Alexa. He mentioned that this version processes and manages tasks with greater intelligence, referencing insights shared in a Seeking Alpha transcript. He also noted the improved agentic capabilities of the assistant.
Jassy indicated that millions of users across the United States currently have access to Alexa+, with plans to extend availability nationwide in the coming months. An international rollout is also anticipated later in the year. He emphasized that engagement with Alexa+ has increased significantly compared to earlier models.
Discussing the future of the platform, Jassy expressed that as users engage in more extended conversations, there will be opportunities for advertisements to enhance discovery and serve as a revenue driver. He noted, “I think over time, there will be opportunities as people are engaging more in multiturn conversations to have advertising play a role to help people find discovery and also as a lever to drive revenue.”
Looking ahead, Jassy suggested a potential for introducing a subscription model for the voice assistant, although he clarified that this would not be implemented in the immediate future. Currently, Alexa+ is available at no charge for Prime members, while non-Prime users must pay a monthly fee of $9.99 (approximately Rs. 875).
Described by Amazon upon its launch, Alexa+ can respond to inquiries, manage smart home devices, and engage in conversations. It is capable of sourcing and playing music from various streaming platforms like Amazon Music, Spotify, and Apple Music based on minimal descriptions. Additionally, it can monitor event ticket sales, place grocery orders, schedule appointments, and make reservations.
