Is Amazon About to Hit Michigan Residents With a Fee to Use Alexa?

Amazon is hosting a media event later this month (February 26), and there's a lot of speculation that the tech giant is about to roll out subscription fees to use its hugely popular digital assistant, Alexa.

It's anyone's guess as to what Amazon has up its billion-dollar sleeve. However multiple sources have reported that Amazon has been working on a subscription model for Alexa that could mean a monthly fee of up to $10.

Will You be Forced to Pay to Use Alexa?

Hold on just a moment. While you may be tempted to toss all of your Alexa devices into the electronics recycling bin and purchase an old-fashioned kitchen timer, there is hope for frugal Michigan residents unwilling to take on another subscription.

Android Authority reports that Alexa is a money-losing endeavor for Amazon. The current business model is unprofitable, and other smart assistants like Siri have made a lot of progress incorporating Artificial Intelligence or AI.

Alexa May Adopt a Paid Version and a Free Version

Technology experts are now predicting that the next generation of Alexa will come in two flavors:

• An AI-infused digital assistant that will comb the web for complex answers, with the ability to carry on a conversation without evoking the 'Alexa' wake word.
• A free version - much like what you're currently using - that's capable of simpler tasks like setting timers, controlling smart light bulbs and outlets, and listening to music apps.

Are You Willing to Pay for Another Subscription?

Streaming services, cable, cell phones. Today, everything seems to come with a monthly subscription fee. Are you willing to pay extra in order to use Alexa's more advanced features? Would you consider dumping Amazon's digital assistant in order for some other solution?