Additionally, Alexa 2.0 will offer enhanced support for finding recipes and accommodating dietary restrictions, another area where customers have expressed a strong desire for more assistance.
These AI assistants will also include a “shopping scout” feature, enabling users to ask conversational questions about products on Amazon. Examples include, “Are there any deals on headphones?” or “What colors is this shoe available in?”
Alexa will even notify users when items they’ve viewed go on sale.
Controversial Features
Perhaps the most controversial new feature of Alexa 2.0 is its targeted use for children. The leaked documents describe a new experience called “Explore with Alexa 2.0.”
This feature allows “verified” children to engage in “back-and-forth, exploratory conversations with Alexa about any topic under the sun.” It is intended to be “safe and moderated,” but it has sparked debate among experts about the appropriateness of smart speakers for children.
As Amazon prepares to launch Alexa 2.0, the company faces the dual challenge of meeting high consumer expectations while addressing concerns about privacy, accuracy, and the ethical implications of AI-powered assistants.
