Introducing Alexa+ and Amazon's first-ever quantum computing chip, and more news

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Each issue brings you stories and insight you’ll only get from Amazon directly, including major company news, exclusive reveals of our latest technology, insight into what it’s like to work at Amazon, plus career tips and industry analysis from our executive leaders.

In our first edition, discover how the revolutionary Alexa+ is redefining AI assistance, learn about AWS’s quantum computing breakthrough, get insider tips for landing your dream role at Amazon, and more.

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Meet Alexa+, our next-generation AI assistant that gets things done

Introducing Alexa+, our next-generation assistant, powered by generative AI. Alexa+ helps you stay organized during busy days, provides detailed answers tailored to your needs, and handles everything from project planning to solving daily challenges—all through natural conversation. Here are a few core aspects of Alexa+:

• Conversational: Alexa+ engages in natural, flowing conversations that feel genuine. It understands context and meaning, creating seamless interactions with no need for precise “Alexa” language.
• Personalized: Alexa+ learns from you and the more you use it, the more personalized it gets— understanding everything from your favorite entertainment to your family’s dietary preferences, allergies, and weekly traditions.
• Gets things done: Alexa+ acts on your behalf, handling everything from date planning and gift shopping to travel arrangements and study help. From simple tasks to complex projects, it provides assistance you can trust.
• Even smarter: Alexa+ combines vast knowledge with an approachable personality, making generative AI feel natural and accessible. Helpful intelligence ready whenever and wherever you need it.

Alexa+ will begin rolling out in the U.S. over the next few weeks during an early access period, and subsequently in waves over the coming months. Once available, you will be able to use Alexa+ basically anywhere you want, from your favorite Echo devices and the Alexa mobile app to an all-new web browser experience. Alexa+ will remember the context of your conversations so that you can seamlessly pick up where you left off as you go about your day.

Alexa+ will cost $19.99 per month, but all Amazon Prime members will get it for free. Alexa+ is the newest Prime benefit, building on the tremendous value members were already enjoying.

Learn more about Alexa+

Here's what Amazon CEO Andy Jassy had to say about it:

Amazon Web Services announces its first-ever quantum computing chip

This week Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced Ocelot, a new quantum computing chip that can reduce the costs of implementing quantum error correction by up to 90%, compared to current approaches. It represents a breakthrough in the pursuit to build fault-tolerant quantum computers capable of solving problems of commercial and scientific importance that are beyond the reach of today’s conventional computers.

Unlike conventional computers, which use bits (usually represented as a digital value of 1 or 0), quantum computers use quantum bits (usually elementary particles such as electrons or photons) called ‘qubits’ to make calculations. One of the biggest challenges with quantum computers is that they’re incredibly sensitive to the smallest changes, or ‘noise’ in their environment. Vibrations, heat, electromagnetic interference from cell phones and Wi-Fi networks, or even cosmic rays and radiation from outer space, can all cause errors in the quantum computation being performed. This has historically made it extremely challenging to build quantum computers that can perform reliable, error-free calculations of any significant complexity.

AWS used a novel design for Ocelot’s architecture, building error correction in from the ground up and using the ‘cat qubit’. Cat qubits intrinsically suppress certain forms of errors, reducing the resources required for quantum error correction. Through this new approach, AWS researchers have, for the first time, combined cat qubit technology and additional quantum error correction components onto a microchip that can be manufactured in a scalable fashion using processes borrowed from the microelectronics industry.

Learn more about Ocelot

6 things every candidate should know about interviewing at Amazon

The Amazon interview process takes approximately three to six weeks, depending on the role, but there are some important elements to know when you’re looking to land a job here. Firstly, understanding each stage of the interview process helps you build a comprehensive schedule.

The stages include one to two phone screens, role-specific assessments, and an interview loop. You should also explore the available resources Amazon offers for candidates and take advantage of “Candid Chats” with current Amazon employees.

Lastly, make sure you’ve brushed up on Amazon's Leadership Principles and leverage them to help tell your story.

See more tips

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• Amazon MGM Studios announces new joint venture with Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for James Bond franchise rights

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