Amazon has just announced a new update for the Alexa+ virtual assistant, allowing users to create podcast episodes using artificial intelligence from just one voice request.
The new feature called "Alexa Podcasts" began to be deployed for users in the US from May 19.
According to Amazon, Alexa Podcasts is designed to turn any topic that users are interested in into a complete podcast in just a few minutes. Users do not need to prepare materials, write scripts or edit sound like traditional podcast production processes.
To use it, users only need to ask Alexa+ to create a podcast about a specific topic. The AI system will automatically research relevant information, aggregate data and provide a quick summary of the expected content of the podcast set.
After that, users can customize the length, tone or focus of content before the AI completes the final product.
When completed, Alexa+ will use AI-generated voice to host the program and broadcast the entire podcast.
Episodes after being created will be sent notifications to the Echo Show device as well as the Alexa application. Users can also save and listen back in the "Music" or "Add" sections on the application.
This move shows that Amazon is expanding the role of Alexa+ beyond a regular voice assistant.
Instead of just answering questions or controlling smart home devices, Alexa+ is gradually becoming a platform for creating personalized AI content for each user.
The addition of podcast creation capabilities also reflects the trend of major technology companies promoting generative AI into the field of media and content creation.
Recently, many companies have experimented with automated voice, video and content technology to serve entertainment, learning and information updates needs.
However, Amazon's new feature has also sparked many debates related to AI ethics and the reliability of automated content. Experts worry that AI-generated podcasts may contain inaccurate information, especially with complex topics or current affairs.
The rapid development of AI content also raises questions about the future role of traditional podcast creators.
Amazon said it is cooperating with many major media organizations to improve the accuracy of Alexa+. The company claims that the system can access information in real time through agreements with many press agencies such as Associated Press, Reuters, The Washington Post, Time, Forbes, Business Insider, Politico, USA Today and more than 200 local newspapers in the US.
In addition to podcasts, Amazon revealed that it is researching more personalized AI audio content. In the future, Alexa+ can create summary news bulletins according to personal preferences or build content based on materials and information provided by users.
