Amazon lining up AI overhaul, paid plans for Alexa voice assistant: Report

Amazon.com is working on an artificial intelligence-driven overhaul of its Alexa voice assistant and plans to charge a monthly subscription fee to offset technology costs, CNBC reported on Wednesday.

The online retail giant will launch a more conversational version of the voice assistant later this year, positioning it to better compete with AI-powered chatbots from Microsoft and Alphabet’s Google, the report said, citing people with knowledge of Amazon’s plans.

Amazon did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.