Amazon plans to charge for AI version of Alexa voice assistant, CNBC reports

NEW YORK — Amazon is working on an artificial intelligence-driven overhaul of its Alexa voice assistant and plans to charge a monthly subscription fee to offset technology costs, CNBC reported on Wednesday. The online retail giant will launch a more conversational version of the voice assistant later this year, positioning it to better compete with AI-powered chatbots from Microsoft and Alphabet's Google, the report said, citing people with knowledge of Amazon's plans. Amazon did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. A subscription to Alexa will not be...