Amazon CEO Andy Jassy recently announced the expansion of generative AI projects within the company, including in the entertainment business. Jassy expressed enthusiasm about the potential of generative AI technology to not only reduce costs but also create new user experiences. During the second-quarter earnings call, Jassy stated that every team at Amazon is actively working on building generative AI applications to reinvent and enhance the customer experience.
Generative AI refers to a type of artificial intelligence that can generate new text, images, videos, or synthetic data based on extensive data sets. Jassy emphasized that generative AI is a significant investment and focus for Amazon, with applications ranging from cost-effectiveness and streamlining operations to improving customer experiences.
Although Jassy did not provide specific details about Amazon’s generative AI projects, he mentioned the importance of the technology in various key areas, such as the compute layer for training foundational models. He cited Amazon CodeWhisperer, an AI-powered coding companion, as an example of how generative AI is transforming developer productivity.
While Amazon will develop its own generative AI applications, Jassy believes that most will be built by other companies, particularly on Amazon Web Services (AWS). Jassy, who previously led AWS for nearly two decades, highlighted the advantages AWS offers in terms of storage, databases, analytics, and data management services. With a vast customer base and data stores, AWS is poised to become a significant platform for generative AI applications.
In the entertainment industry, generative AI has become a topic of discussion amid ongoing strikes by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). Unions representing writers and actors have raised concerns about studios, including Amazon Studios, using AI without consent, potentially infringing on performers’ rights. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers has refuted these claims, asserting that their proposal includes provisions requiring consent for the use of digital replicas or alterations to performances.
Overall, generative AI holds tremendous potential for Amazon, and the company recognizes its value in various aspects of the business. Jassy’s announcement signifies a commitment to leveraging generative AI technology to improve customer experiences and revolutionize operations across multiple sectors, including entertainment. By embracing generative AI, Amazon aims to stay at the forefront of innovation and continue providing cutting-edge solutions to its customers.
