Amazon is shaking up the tech world with its latest move to unify Alexa’s backend technology, aiming to reduce operational costs and improve device performance. The project, internally named “Unified Alexa Device Software,” is set to move some devices off of the Android-based operating system in a bid to boost efficiency.
This initiative is part of a larger revamp of the Alexa business following significant losses, with the goal of saving almost 50% of overhead costs once completed. The plan is expected to result in a faster rollout of Alexa features, improved customer experience, and less developer friction.
In addition, Amazon plans to use a new homegrown operating system named Vega for voice assistants, smart TVs, and wearable devices, while some hardware devices will continue to use the existing Fire OS. The company hopes this move will eliminate gaps in software offerings and reduce feature-parity gaps among different devices.
While the change in Alexa’s technology has sparked some speculation about cost-cutting, an Amazon spokesperson clarified that it is part of a regular review process to continuously improve Alexa for customers. The company is focused on streamlining operations and maximizing efficiency under the leadership of CEO Andy Jassy.
The new unified Alexa foundation is expected to significantly reduce feature parity gaps and improve performance across devices. While Amazon is reducing its reliance on Android-based Fire OS with the new Vega OS, Android-based devices are expected to stick around for a while as the company aims to be more resource-efficient and improve performance.
Overall, Amazon’s move to unify Alexa’s backend technology marks a significant step in the company’s efforts to enhance its voice assistant technology and deliver a better experience for users.