Why Is Alexa+ So Bad? (www.wired.com)

Amazon's new Alexa+, now available to all Prime subscribers, is facing criticism for its performance and reliability, particularly on the Echo Show 15. Designed to integrate generative AI for a more conversational experience, users report that the assistant struggles with even basic tasks like playing music or videos, often providing incorrect content or requiring overly specific phrasing to yield satisfactory results. This inconsistency has left many, including the author, dissatisfied, likening interactions to managing an uncooperative toddler. The significance of this feedback highlights a growing concern within the AI/ML community regarding Amazon's AI capabilities compared to competitors like Google, Anthropic, and OpenAI, which are releasing more effective solutions for app and web navigation. While Alexa+ aims to automate daily tasks and enhance user interaction, real-world usage indicates a lag in performance, raising questions about Amazon's position in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-driven assistants. As users find themselves frustrated, there's a push for Amazon to improve Alexa+ or risk losing market share to more capable alternatives.