Alexa’s new generative AI apps that you help could become the next Grammy award-winning producer
AI was at the center of many of the biggest announcements at this year’s CES 2024 tech expo in Las Vegas, and Amazon is one of many tech brands that have unveiled plans to integrate AI into their products and services. The next step? Alexa generative AI experiences.
Amazon hasn’t been shy about sharing its AI plans for Alexa. At the September 2023 device event, it was announced that Alexa will get a new major language model (LLM), along with new tools to make it easier for developers to build conversational experiences with generative AI.
Now Amazon is bringing the first of those developer-built AI apps to the voice assistant to take advantage of Alexa’s upgraded LLM and improve the user experience, and you can start using the new features right now. The new generative AI apps can be downloaded from the Amazon Alexa Skills Store.
The first of these is the integrated Character.ai chatbot, which adds an element of playfulness to the voice assistant. Character.ai allows you to have conversations with a long list of characters and personas, to get information or just for fun.
For example, you might want to have an inspiring conversation with a personal trainer, or receive book suggestions from the AI-designated bookworm, librarian Linda. If you’re in the mood for an intellectual conversation, Character.ai can generate AI versions of historical figures like William Shakespeare and Socrates.
In addition to chatbot fun, AI will improve the way you connect to music through Alexa. In partnership with AI music creation software Splash, you can create custom songs using your voice and aim for the next Record of the Year Grammy award. To use it on an Echo device, just say “Alexa, open Splash Music.”
From there, you can put your music production skills to the test to create songs, experimenting with pop, rock, electronica, and countless other genres. For example, you could say, “Alexa, make a classic rock indie folk song.” You can add lyrics and sing along to your generated song, and even ask Alexa to send a mobile link so you can download your songs.
When you’re not trying to become the next hot music producer, you can take a break with Alexa’s new AI voice game. Developers at Volley, a maker of AI voice games, have teamed up with Amazon to bring another fun Alexa skill to your Echo devices called ‘Volley’s 20 Questions’.
It’s a version of the classic game where you have to guess who or what the person “it” is by asking questions that he or she answers with yes or no. Volley’s Alexa integration is a modern innovation that “marks a major milestone in gaming,” according to Volley CEO Max Child.
You’ll need to say “Alexa, open Volley Games” to get started. The game ensures that a natural conversation arises between you and the AI Riddlemaster. To play, simply ask questions like “Is it an animal?” and the voice assistant answers yes or no and even gives you hints if you get stuck.