The 2017 edition of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) features a myriad of technologies including self-driving cars, overclocking processors, and next-generation smartphones. Amazon Alexa has emerged as the hottest technology at CES 2017, finding itself integrated into refrigerators, cars, and other applications such as Google Android.
At Chinese firm Huawei Technologies Co.'s CES 2017 presentation, Amazon Alexa made a surprising appearance on rival Google's Android system. Huawei introduced its Mate 9 smartphone, which is pre-loaded with Amazon's artificial intelligence system. This development intensifies the competition between Amazon and Google, which does have Alexa rival Google Assistant.
Huawei plans to develop an app for its flagship handsets that allows users in the U.S. to connect with Alexa. A prominent Android manufacturer adopting Alexa gives Amazon an early lead over Google in terms of digital assistant integration, say tech industry analysts.
Though Google Home is backed by its intensive internet search database, the company needs to strategize its position and to protect Android devices from a possible onslaught by Amazon Alexa. If not addressed early on, Alexa can mean doom to Google.
However, for Sergei Burkov, chief executive of AI company Alterra.ai, Google is still in the race for voice technology dominance. Burkov cites Google's strength, which is anchored on its internet search technology. He stresses that Google is a search company while Amazon is not. He highlights the importance of search as a huge component of a digital assistant.
Amazon developed Alexa with the sole aim of becoming the dominant hub of the connected home. The virtual personal assistant enables people to communicate with their smart devices. It also acts as a communication tool between smart devices.
Huawei's move to incorporate Amazon Alexa in its next phones is a development that Google needs to take seriously. If Alexa eventually emerges as the most popular voice interface on Android phones, Google is facing a huge loss in terms of data gathering and even the ability to generate advertising revenue.
The video below features celebrity Justin Long acting as Huawei Device USA director who falls in love at first sight when he meets the Huawei Mate 9 with Amazon Alexa. Share your thoughts on the article in the comment section.
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