Apple, Amazon, Microsoft Launch New AI Gadgets for Holiday Sales
Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft have unveiled new AI-powered devices ahead of the holiday shopping season. The companies are testing whether AI alone is sufficient to drive new gadget sales.
Technology giants Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft are racing to stock AI-powered gadgets for the holiday season. The companies have introduced new devices aimed at integrating artificial intelligence into households.
Apple unveiled its new HomeView smart home hub, priced at $299. The device features a seven-inch screen and facial recognition to personalize the user experience for different family members. HomeView runs on Apple's latest chips and incorporates AI features, including an upgraded Siri designed for conversational responses.
Amazon, meanwhile, is replacing its budget-friendly Fire tablet lineup with three new Alexa tablets. These devices prominently feature the Alexa voice assistant, with an "On-Screen Intelligence" capability allowing the assistant to act on displayed content. The top-tier Alexa Tablet 12 Pro is priced at $500.
Microsoft is taking a different approach by launching an Nvidia-powered Windows laptop, starting at $2,599. These AI-chip-equipped computers can run demanding AI models directly on the device, reducing reliance on remote servers. Microsoft is betting that users will pay a premium for enhanced computing power.
The holiday season will provide an early indication of whether AI alone can sell new gadgets. Analysts suggest consumers are interested in AI's potential but may be hesitant to purchase devices solely for their AI capabilities, especially with ongoing economic concerns.