Amazon’s new Alexa+ feature adds conversational AI to Ring doorbells

Amazon has begun rolling out Alexa+ on the web to early access users, introducing features such as chat functionality, smart home controls, file management, and cross-device conversations. This launch represents a significant step in Amazon's vision for integrating its AI-powered Alexa technology into everyday online experiences.

Alexa+ has been updated to enable it to answer Ring doorbell notifications and communicate with visitors, enhancing the integration between Amazon's voice assistant and home security systems.

A new method for the exact verification of Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) has been developed, focusing on providing guarantees against adversarial attacks through incremental constraint solving. This approach allows for the verification of GNNs under budget constraints, addressing vulnerabilities in high-stakes applications such as fraud detection and healthcare.

A recent study has revealed that Amazon's algorithmic pricing practices are leading to erratic and inflated costs for school districts, raising concerns about the financial implications for educational institutions. The findings suggest that the pricing strategies employed by Amazon may not be conducive to the budgeting needs of these districts.

Amazon is reportedly in discussions to invest at least $10 billion in OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, as part of its strategy to support OpenAI's funding needs for extensive data center expenditures. This investment could significantly impact both companies' futures in the AI sector.

Senators Elizabeth Warren, Chris Van Hollen, and Richard Blumenthal have initiated an investigation into whether the expansion of AI data centers operated by major tech firms like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft is contributing to rising electricity costs for consumers. This inquiry follows reports indicating that 70% of American households are experiencing increased utility rates coinciding with the growth of these data centers.

Amazon is reportedly in discussions to invest over $10 billion in OpenAI, the developer behind ChatGPT, as part of the startup's ongoing efforts to secure funding for its extensive data center expenditures. If finalized, this investment could elevate OpenAI's market valuation to over $500 billion.

Apple and Amazon are facing a £900 million lawsuit in the UK, led by Justin Le Patourel through JLP A&A Class Representative Limited, over allegations of price-fixing. The claim is supported by competition litigation firm Hausfeld & Co LLP, highlighting significant concerns regarding pricing practices in the tech industry.