Once satisfied with just sitting on a desk or shelf, the latest Alexa-powered devices want to patrol the whole house, so they can be there to respond to spontaneous thoughts and requests that crop up in people’s minds. consumers.

While it may seem overkill, the increased use of voice technology is extremely serious in its potential and use cases, especially as a caregiver for the elderly or providing appropriate entertainment for children.

It’s all part of a series of Amazon announcements unveiling a range of first-name-based apps and devices with Alexa, its voice assistant.

The next 7 years

When introduced in 2014, Alexa introduced consumers to a new way to connect with information and brands, turning dumb devices into smart devices and allowing people to just tell them what to do, noted Karen Webster, CEO of PYMNTS, in a recent opinion piece.

This was certainly the case at Tuesday’s Amazon Devices & Services event (September 28), where the company showcased several new devices and reported that customers have connected over 200 million smart home devices to Alexa and are connecting. millions of new devices every month.

The headline was a household robot named Astro, which features Alexa on wheels. The device is touted by Amazon as a home robot for home monitoring, along with Alexa. It is equipped with a camera, it is controlled by an app when the owner is away and it is able to circumvent obstacles.

“In five to ten years, we think every household will have at least one robot,” Amazon reported in its blog live from the event. “They will become an essential part of your daily life. “

Amazon suggests that Astro can also be used to bring digital content to the user, track the user so they can continue a video conference while on the move, and carry items in a cup holder. When equipped with a Furbo dog camera, it can even throw treats at pets.

Astro will initially be available by invitation-only and will begin shipping later this year.

Support wherever you need it

Other devices announced at the event will provide access to Alexa and help users care for older parents, keep the kids entertained, keep digital content in a convenient place, and control the temperature in a home.

Noting that caregiving is not easy, Amazon said in its live blog, “That’s why at the start of next year, Alexa Together will enable multiple people to support a loved one.”

Alexa Together will offer a new multi-user subscription that will help users keep tabs on their older loved ones and allow hands-free access to a professional emergency hotline.

“Hey, Disney,” a voice assistant that works alongside Alexa and allows users to interact with characters from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars; the Echo Show 15, an Alexa-powered display that can be hung on the wall, and the Amazon Smart Thermostat, which works with Alexa.

All aspects of life

“Across our business, we find that simple and powerful technology can help families in all aspects of their lives,” Amazon said in its live blog.

PYMNTS research reveals that 31% of U.S. consumers have a voice-activated speaker in their home, in addition to other artificial intelligence (AI)-connected voice devices like doorbells, home appliances, televisions, and more. curtains. Alexa is said to have a 68% share of the voice AI market.

With these newly announced Alexa-powered devices delivering more robust capabilities and performing additional tasks, consumers’ reliance on voice assistants will increase along with their convenience, which in turn will spawn even more benefits. innovation and the creation of additional use cases and devices. .