Media representatives have recently received invitations to a significant Amazon devices event scheduled for February 26 in New York City. This hints at a solid recommendation: hold off on purchasing any Amazon devices until after this key event unfolds.

Although Amazon has not publicly detailed the agenda for this event, it tends to be wise to refrain from making buys in advance of such announcements. Even if the revealed products don’t pique your interest, older models may see price reductions shortly after new releases are announced. This means you could either acquire fresh items or score deals on existing products that would typically be sold at full price.

AI Integration for Alexa

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

It appears that Alexa will take center stage during this event, especially since Amazon cleverly included an Alexa-themed Easter egg in its invitations, where the different versions collectively spell out “Alexa.”

Alexa is poised to become the next virtual assistant to adopt AI advancements, with Amazon expected to showcase the anticipated AI-enhanced version of its assistant, initially hinted at in 2023. Reports from Reuters suggest that the timing aligns with a forthcoming launch.

In its initial announcements, Amazon indicated that AI-enhanced Alexa would manage conversational tasks, interpret non-verbal cues, and deliver more tailored responses. However, sources from Reuters imply that while conversational capabilities may be ready, other features might still be in development.

Previous experiences indicate that the Alexa development team has struggled with basic functionalities, such as setting timers or controlling smart devices, as highlighted in an article by Bloomberg. This raises some questions about the AI’s reliability post-launch. Should issues arise, it may be prudent to postpone any purchases of Amazon devices for a while.

New Devices with Alexa Capabilities

With the transition of Panos Panay, former Microsoft executive, to Amazon’s hardware division, attendees can expect that this event will reveal more than just software updates. New hardware seems likely.

One can reasonably speculate the introduction of advanced Echo smart speakers designed to leverage the forthcoming AI-driven Alexa. These devices might feature dedicated neural processors or upgraded cameras capable of interpreting users’ body language. Although specifics remain unclear, recent Echo releases have leaned towards premium options like the Echo Show series, indicating that more budget-friendly alternatives could soon receive upgrades.

Additionally, Amazon’s Fire TVs and other smart display devices may also be in line for enhancements to improve their compatibility with Alexa.

Kindles Are Not on the Horizon

While many may anticipate exciting announcements, it’s unlikely that new Kindle models will be included in this event lineup. Despite the popularity of the Kindle, recent launches—including the introduction of its first color device, the Kindle Colorsoft—are still fresh on the market.

This recent release featured a diverse range of four Kindle options across different pricing tiers. Given the initial user complaints about hardware issues, along with shipping delays, Amazon is unlikely to dilute its new product momentum by introducing another line so soon.