AMAZON has sparked concern that more ads could pop up on Alexa devices as it introduces new AI features to the popular voice assistant.
The company’s new AI supercharged Alexa is still rolling out, which users can pay for if they don’t have a Prime membership.
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Alexa+ is optional and costs $19.99 (£15) per month without a Prime subscription.
But there could be even more ads on the way as Amazon looks to make its devices profitable.
Currently, users already see some limited ads, such as on Echo Show displays.
There’s also the “By the way” feature that makes subtle suggestions to you based off what you ask Alexa.
Amazon chief Andy Jassy has now hinted other ads are in the works.
“There will be opportunities, as people are engaging in more multiturn conversations [with Alexa Plus], to have advertising play a role to help people find discovery, and also as a lever to drive revenue,” he said during a recent investor call.
News has speculated that this could mean paying extra for an ad-free tier of Alexa.
But users have raged over the idea and mocked possible scenarios.
“When you tell it to turn on your lights, it’ll turn on the lights and then give a 15 second advertisement for other lights you could buy on Amazon.com,” one joked on Reddit.
“All I want it to do is provide random facts when I ask about them, play the music I ask it to and adjust the household settings I tell it to,” another person commented.
“I don’t want suggestions and I sure as s*** won’t be listening to ads.”
A third added: “They are a glorified Bluetooth speaker.
“I will throw mine in the trash before I suffer through a single ad.”
And a fourth said: “I already stopped watching prime because of the ads. I’m fine dropping Alexa too.”
There’s still no word on when Alexa+ will be rolled out to other countries including the UK.
AI-NY GOOD? THE EXPERT VIEW
Here’s what tech industry expert Paolo Pescatore, of PP Foresight, had to say minutes after Alexa+ was announced earlier this year.
“Taking AI to the masses,” Paolo explained.
“There’s a lot riding on this revamp service given the lengthy delays and to justify the huge investments poured into AI and everything else.
“Ultimately consumers have not shown a greater willingness to use features beyond basic requests.
“We are now starting to see meaningful developments in the world of AI that promise to offer users a personalised experience.
“The biggest question is whether users are ready, given their early experiences and concerns around security and trust.
“These factors still remain huge barriers to wider adoption.
“If executed well, should resonate with customers rather than getting users to fork out for another additional monthly fee.
“All of these latest moves reinforce the importance of Prime and providing users with a one stop shop for nearly everything.
“A big moment for the new devices and services chief Panos Panay.”
Picture Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun
