Amazon's Alexa will ask humans questions using a new 'teachable' AI

Amazon just gave Alexa a mind of its own by enabling it to ask humans questions. The tech giant is set to add'teachable' artificial intelligence to the virtual assistant, allowing it to ask questions in order to understand the contextual conversation and learn from its owners. During the firm's annual product launch event, Amazon also introduced natural turn taking, which allows users to speak to Alexa with using a wake wording to provide'more natural and expressive' conversations. Rohit Prasad, vice president of Amazon, said: 'You can ask'Alexa, join my conversation,' and Alexa will join in the conversation to help you and friend decide what pizza to order, or get a movie recommendation for a night at home with your family.' Amazon is set to add'teachable' artificial intelligence to the virtual assistant, allowing it to ask questions in order to understand the contextual conversation and learn from its owners Prasad explained that Amazon has been working years to advance Alexa, noting to teach the assistant instantaneously took three to four years to complete.