Alexa+: the virtual assistant got smarter, but it still gets my name wrong

Alexa+: the virtual assistant got smarter, but it still gets my name wrong
Alexa+, a version recently launched for a restricted group of users in Brazil by Amazon, still has difficulty pronouncing first names correctly, such as "Henrique".
Yes, Alexa+ doesn't know how to say my name. Henque, Renque and variants came out. My favorite? Henkique.
However, the arrival of generative artificial intelligence resources made the virtual assistant more intelligent.
Since 2019, when the service was launched in Brazil and competed with Google Nest, voice command for the smart home was innovative.
Over time, the assistant ended up becoming a kind of luxury switch for turning off lights, checking the weather forecast and setting alarms.
During this period, Google itself gave up on launching smart speakers in the country.
In the old version, asking to play songs from bands with specific names, such as The XX, was a problem that resulted in random selections.
The new Alexa+ understands the request and even corrects the pronunciation into correct English - "touching the twentieth". It wasn't "xis-xis" or "équis-équis" (see the video at the beginning of the report)
The big attraction of Alexa+ is its conversation capacity. She wins you over.
The voice has been changed, although it is possible to return to the previous version. The fact that you don't need to repeat the activation word all the time makes it easier to engage in dialogue. You can ask to read the news of the day and then start a conversation about the World Cup.
It was even thought that Brazil would beat Scotland 2-0. During the video recording, before Brazil's game on Monday (29) against Japan, she also gave her opinions.
Amazon devices that run Alexa+
Disclosure
Artificial intelligence has a memory of conversations, which still needs adjustments. In tests with musical requests, the assistant ignored instructions not to play the song "Creep" by Radiohead.
After being corrected, she suspended the track. Days later, when resuming the topic, Alexa+ had forgotten about the restriction, but promised to note the preference in the cell phone app, always reinforcing the privacy discourse.
Some features don't make sense on devices without a screen, like the old Echo Studio used in the test.
Asking to create a tour guide or summarizing documents sent by email are tasks that require a display for monitoring. Furthermore, for privacy reasons, the connection of personal email to the device was avoided.
On the Amazon Echo with a screen, the use of Alexa+ seems to make more sense
Reproduction
The Amazon Alexa application for smartphones works as an information center for connected devices, recording conversations and memories.
Early access to the Alexa+ service and its features
Reproduction
However, there are still integration flaws.
Alexa+ was unable to connect to a television model that was already compatible with the previous version of the assistant - and there is no expectation that Amazon or TV manufacturers will update to the new version. So, the TV continues to work with Alexa, but without the new features.
Another negative point is the absence of an Alexa+ website in Portuguese.
In the United States, the portal is an important differentiator, functioning in a similar way to ChatGPT or Google Gemini. According to Amazon Brazil, there is no plan for the page to be launched in the local language.
Access to Alexa+ remains limited and will only be available to those who request or purchase a new Echo or FireTV device by the end of October. Amazon released access to the service at the request of g1.
The value of Alexa+ is part of the service package for Amazon Prime subscribers (R$ 19.90), which makes up for the novelty and the fact that you don't have to pay extra for the assistant.
Paying for a separate subscription, set at R$99.99 per month without Prime benefits, is not a good value for money.
See below a list of Amazon devices compatible with the new Alexa+.
The prices, consulted in online stores at the end of June, started at R$350 for the Fire TV Stick and ranged between R$500 and R$1,500 for the Amazon Echo.
Amazon Echo Dot
Amazon Echo Spot
Amazon Echo Show 8
Amazon Fire TV 4K
Amazon Fire TV HD
This report was produced with total editorial independence by our team of specialized journalists and collaborators. If the reader chooses to purchase a product from the links provided, Globo will be able to earn revenue through commercial partnerships. We clarify that Globo does not have any control or responsibility regarding the eventual purchasing experience, even through the links provided. Questions or complaints regarding the product purchased and/or the purchase, payment and delivery process must be directed directly to the responsible retailer.

Source: G1