Alexa is a smarter, more conversational AI version of Amazon's digital assistant

Following years of development, Amazon's next-generation digital assistant is ready for public use. The model powering Alexa can detect tone and mood and respond accordingly, with a completely new voice -- one that sounds more natural. Moreover, it's only necessary to say "Alexa" once to wake the assistant. It will then follow the conversation. Panay said Alexa has contextual awareness, with the ability to "remember" earlier parts of a conversation.