Amazon introduces new Alexa feature for seniors

Amazon.com Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN) announced a new feature that makes Alexa devices more useful for seniors. The company introduced an additional option to the Alexa cellular application called the Care Hub, which enables family members to keep track of their aging parents and loved ones. The company said it had heard for years from customers who wanted to use Alexa's voice assistant to monitor their aging relatives who want to stay in their homes rather than nursing homes. Amazon is moving on to offering the ability to monitor loved ones with their permission, where you can get information about their activities and receive alerts whenever they call for help. According to the company, the idea behind the Care Hub is to provide reassurance to those concerned about the well-being of their aging loved ones while allowing them to maintain their independence. It is important to note that this is not a new type of use of the voice assistant, considering that Alexa devices are already being used in care facilities and senior residences by third-party providers. The company said that while family members will keep an eye on their aging loved ones, privacy will be critically important and that some specific information will not be accessible. Toni Reid, VP of Alexa Experiences and Echo Devices, said there is an emergency contact feature that allows one to call for help. With the simple words "Alexa, call for help" the assistant sends a push notification to a carer. After the connection is established, the carer can go about their daily activities, and this gives the caregivers security. Reid said this is the beginning of the journey of helping seniors, and there is a lot the company plans to do in helping seniors. Amazon has been working on the product for the past 18 months. The company has been testing it with its employees and their families over the past few months.