Although Amazon is set to unveil its AI upgrades to Alexa at an event on February 26, the Washington Post reports the actual update might not arrive for at least a month after. An anonymous Amazon employee shared the information with the Washington Post, stating that the new version of Alexa wouldn’t arrive until March 31.
The publication further confirmed that Amazon had originally planned to launch the new version of its smart assistant this month, but delayed the launch to address repeated “incorrect answers” given to test questions.
The delay has raised questions among investors. The huge amount of capital needed for AI technology makes it a risky investment, and it can be difficult for a company to turn a profit on AI technology. However, Amazon hopes an improved version of Alexa would drive more sales of Echo devices and other smart gadgets that utilize the assistant. The idea is that most Alexa functions would remain free to use, but the advanced version would only be accessible to subscribers.
The more advanced version of Alexa could have the potential to develop a personality of its own and recall previous conversations. It could also perform advanced tasks, like order takeout for you (perfect for those who hate making phone calls) or order a taxi. These obstacles aren’t wholly unexpected; other companies have also struggled with AI providing incorrect answers, with Apple’s Notification Summaries drawing a lot of attention after numerous users received disturbing interpretations of text messages and news reports.
An upgraded, more powerful version of Alexa would be helpful in the smart home space, but these delays show that there is still a long way to go before the technology can be freely implemented.
Outdoor security cameras are not always practical if you live in an apartment or rental. Drilling into an exterior wall may be off-limits, while pointing a regular indoor camera through a window can create another problem once reflections start showing up after dark.
Baseus is trying to solve both issues with the new PrimeSentinel W1, a $69.99 security camera designed specifically to monitor the outdoors through glass. It mounts directly to a window without drilling and uses a 4K Starlight sensor with an F1.0 aperture for full-color monitoring during the day and at night.
This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Best Buy.
Technology evolves every day, transforming how we live and work. Our devices are becoming more than tools we use. They are increasingly capable companions that help streamline day-to-day routines and spark creative ideas. If you have been waiting for the right moment to upgrade your tech setup, the Discover Samsung Shopping Event offers an opportunity to explore what connected, AI-powered living can look like.
With AI progressing so fast, it's only a matter of time before we start getting AI companions like the ones we used to see in movies like R2-D2, Wall-E, or Baymax. Now, Singapore-based OKA Technology has unveiled Mori, a cute little AI companion that looks less like a conventional home robot and more like someone turned the Pokémon Foongus into a table lamp.
Mori isn't meant to clean your house or control your smart home, but to serve as what OKA calls a "Nature Companion." It uses subtle movements, warm lighting, nature-inspired sounds, and small reactions to make its presence around the house feel calming rather than distracting. Mori can sit quietly while you read, sway along to music, welcome you when you enter a room, or encourage you to slow down for a moment without requiring a screen or a conversation.