Amazon is set to release its long-awaited - and delayed - Alexa generative artificial intelligence voice service, said three people familiar with the matter, and has scheduled a press event for later this month to preview it.

Amazon today sent out invites for an AI-focused event that will be held on February 26, and according to Reuters, the company plans to introduce

Once released, it would mark the most significant upgrade to Alexa since its initial introduction accelerated a wave of digital assistants more than a decade ago.

By Greg Bensinger (Reuters) -Amazon is set to release its long-awaited - and delayed - Alexa generative artificial intelligence voice service, said three people familiar with the matter, and has scheduled a press event for later this month to preview it.

With over 500 million Alexa-enabled devices already in the market, the company hopes the update will entice users to become paying subscribers.

Amazon is relying on technology from Anthropic, a startup in which it has invested $8 billion, to power the AI behind Alexa.

Amazon is preparing to launch its next-generation Alexa AI, a significant upgrade aimed at enhancing user interaction and converting users into paying customers. This revamp poses both opportunities and risks as it prepares to engage daily users and integrate more deeply into their lives.

On Wednesday, Amazon extended press invitations for an event scheduled for Feb. 26 in New York, which will feature Panos Panay, the head of its devices and services team. While a spokesperson confirmed that the event is centered around Alexa, they declined to provide further details.

Amazon is introducing a generative AI-powered version of Alexa, marking the most significant update since its launch. This revamped Alexa is designed to interact with users more effectively, aiming to become a daily tool and potentially converting users into paying customers.