Expanding the capabilities of its AI assistant, Amazon has launched a new feature called Alexa Podcasts for Alexa+ users in the US. The feature can generate podcast-style audio episodes on demand using AI-generated host voices and customised topic coverage.
Users can ask Alexa+ to create podcasts on almost any topic, including news, travel, hobbies, sports, education, career guidance, music updates, and tutorials. Before generating the audio, Alexa+ first shows an outline of the planned episode. Users can then adjust the focus and episode length as per their preference.
Amazon said the AI-powered feature creates podcast episodes within minutes. Once ready, users receive a notification on supported Echo Show devices and the Alexa app. Episodes can either be played immediately or accessed later through the “Music and More” section in the app.
The company revealed that Alexa Podcasts uses information from more than 200 news publications and other sources. These include Associated Press, Reuters, The Washington Post, TIME, Forbes, Business Insider, Politico, USA Today, along with content from Condé Nast, Hearst, Vox Media, and over 200 local newspapers across the US.
Alexa+ is currently available to users in the US. Amazon Prime members can access the service at no additional cost, while non-Prime users can subscribe for $19.99 per month, which is roughly Rs. 1,900.
Amazon also said the company is exploring more personalised audio experiences in the future. These may include customised news briefings and podcast episodes based on documents or information shared by users.
The launch comes as more AI companies introduce podcast-style audio summaries. Similar tools are already available through Google’s NotebookLM and Gemini platforms, which can convert notes and documents into conversational audio content.
Amazon has not yet confirmed when the Alexa Podcasts feature will roll out in markets outside the US.
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