Amazon touts Alexa+ AI features, new devices

Core Insights - Amazon has unveiled updates to its Echo, Ring, Fire TV, and Alexa Plus digital assistant, integrating generative AI capabilities into its devices [1] - The company is experiencing increased customer engagement with the upgraded Alexa Plus assistant, indicating a potential shift towards AI-driven commerce [2] - Smart home adoption rates with Alexa Plus have doubled, although initial adoption was limited due to a restricted release model [3] Device and Technology Updates - The new devices are equipped with Alexa Plus, which is expected to enhance user experience and drive sales [1] - The rollout of Alexa Plus is part of Amazon's broader strategy to integrate generative AI across its product line [2] - All new Echo devices will feature Alexa Plus, aiming to overcome previous adoption bottlenecks [3] Market Performance and Competition - Early reviews of Amazon's generative AI tool have been mixed, with some critics suggesting that Amazon's upgrades are lagging behind competitors like OpenAI, Google, and Meta [4] - Amazon's shares have underperformed this year, making it the worst performer among the "Magnificent Seven" tech stocks [4] - The launch of new devices coincides with Amazon's Prime fall days, which is a strategic move to boost sales [5][6]