Best Oven Toaster Grill (OTGs) for your home: Top 10 picks for small families and anyone seeking easy cooking
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Philips' 55L digital OTG feels built for big gatherings and variety lovers. Baking two cakes or a batch of pizzas is effortless, while 11 preset menus like bread-making, keep weekday meals interesting. Touch controls and clever temperature management mean every bake turns out spot on. The convection fan heats evenly, so no more burnt corners or underdone middles. Family-friendly and easy to use, it quietly gets on with the job so you can relax.
Specifications
Capacity
55L
Power
2000W
Preset Menus
11
Safety
Child Lock Reasons to buy
Large enough for big families or frequent hosting
Easy controls with reliable results Reasons to avoid
Size needs more counter space
Power cable could be longer Click Here to Buy
Philips HD6977/00 55 Litre Digital Oven Toaster Grill, 2000W, with Opti Temp Technology, Temperature control, Convection Mode, Chamber light and 11 preset menus, Inner Lamp
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Users love the even baking, generous capacity and fuss-free controls, with many mentioning it simplifies daily cooking.
Why choose this product?
It's designed for roomy, reliable cooking - ideal for bread, cake, or pizza - delivering consistency for busy families and home bakers.
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With the Glen Multi-Function OTG, whipping up family favourites at home is easy and satisfying. Its 35L size is just right for small gatherings or cosy weekends in, whether you're baking cakes or roasting chicken in the rotisserie. Six versatile heating modes mean less guesswork and more reliable results, and the clear timer bell signals when it's time to dig in. Simple temperature dials and an oven light make even tricky recipes stress-free, and the removable crumb tray keeps clean-up quick.
Specifications
Capacity
35L
Power
2100W
Heating Modes
6
Rotisserie
Motorised Reasons to buy
Versatile modes cover daily cooking needs
Rotisserie and convection fan ensure even grilling Reasons to avoid
Not suitable for very large families
Takes longer for big roasts Click Here to Buy
Glen Multi-Function OTG for Kitchen 35 Litre, 2100W, Oven Toaster Griller with 6 Heating Modes, Rotisserie, Convection Fan, Temp. Control, Bake, Grill & Toast,Oven for Baking - Black (SA5035BLRC)
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Most praise its sturdy build, multiple features, and the rotisserie function - many cite successful cakes, pizzas and roasts.
Why choose this product?
It's robust, dependable, and easy to use, giving you options to bake, grill, and roast just like a pro at home.
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The AGARO Marvel 25L OTG puts reliable baking and roasting within reach for home cooks and small families. With five heating modes and a proper rotisserie, it covers everything from cakes and bread to spit-roasted meats and veggies. The adjustable timer and temperature controls keep kitchen experiments stress-free. You can watch every stage through the heat resistant glass, and clean-up is easy. It's a sturdy, no-fuss companion for daily meals and weekend treats.
Specifications
Capacity
25L
Power
1600W
Heating Modes
5
Rotisserie
Motorised Reasons to buy
Excellent for small families and compact kitchens
Rotisserie delivers juicy, evenly cooked meats Reasons to avoid
Limited space for larger bakes
Outer surface can get quite warm Click Here to Buy
AGARO Marvel Oven Toaster Griller, 25 Litres, Motorised Rotisserie, Adjustable Temperature, 5 Heating Modes & Timer, CakeBaking, Roasting,Grilling,OTG (Black)
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Owners love how simple it is to grill, bake, and roast, often highlighting the value for money and rotisserie feature.
Why choose this product?
It's practical, easy to operate, and versatile, making daily and special occasion cooking fun, fuss-free, and reliably tasty.
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Hosting dinner or baking bread for the whole family gets simpler with the Wonderchef 60L OTG. Its extra-large capacity welcomes big batches, making celebrations smoother. With convection and rotisserie modes, you get even cooking and browning, ideal for layered cakes or a juicy roast. Precise time and temperature dials keep things foolproof, and clean-up's a breeze with the crumb tray. Well-built and thoughtfully designed, it's a kitchen workhorse ready for everyday use and special occasions.
Specifications
Capacity
60L
Cooking Modes
Convection & Rotisserie
Warranty
2 Years Reasons to buy
Spacious enough for entertaining and large meals
Uniform browning with convection and rotisserie Reasons to avoid
Needs plenty of counter space
Not suited for very small households Click Here to Buy
Wonderchef OTG | 60L OTG | Bake Breads and Cakes | 2 Year Warranty
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Feedback highlights its reliability for everything from bread to chicken, with users impressed by the even baking and roast function.
Why choose this product?
Its durability and massive space stand out, helping home cooks easily handle crowds or weekend batch-baking, time after time.
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Small but mighty, the Wonderchef 17L OTG makes everyday baking, grilling, and toasting truly easy. It's perfect for busy kitchens or smaller households, whipping up breads and cakes one day, grilled veggies or chicken the next. The stainless-steel heater ensures food cooks evenly, while customisable controls give you results you'll be proud of. The auto shut-off is a real time-saver, and clean-up's quick with the crumb tray and heat-resistant glass.
Specifications
Capacity
17L
Heating
Stainless steel elements
Temperature
Up to 250°C, adjustable
Warranty
2 Years Reasons to buy
Compact design fits smaller kitchens
Simple to use and clean Reasons to avoid
Not ideal for extra-large meals
Fewer functions than bigger OTGs Click Here to Buy
Wonderchef Oven Toaster Griller (OTG) 17 L | Bake, Grill, Roast | Auto-Shut Off | Heat-Resistant Tempered Glass | Customised Time & Temperature Control | Easy to Clean | 2 Year Warranty
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
People appreciate its reliability, ease of use, and how it simplifies small-batch baking and grilling at home.
Why choose this product?
It's a budget-friendly all-rounder - great for quick snacks or healthier meals, without taking up all your counter space.
6. Morphy Richards 30Rcss Otg Oven For Kitchen
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The Morphy Richards 30Rcss OTG strikes a fine balance between style and practicality, elevating everyday home cooking. Its convection fan and rotisserie handle everything from crusty breads to golden roast chicken, while the illuminated interior lets you keep an eye on every stage. Precise temperature controls mean dishes aren't just cooked, they're consistently brilliant. Six versatile modes, easy-to-clean stainless steel, and that handsome gold-and-black finish make this OTG both a kitchen workhorse and a statement piece.
Specifications
Capacity
30L
Power
1600W
Cooking Modes
6
Warranty
2 Years Reasons to buy
Even, reliable cooking results
Premium build and striking looks Reasons to avoid
Not suited for very large batches
Temperature range narrower than some models Click Here to Buy
Morphy Richards 30Rcss Otg Oven For Kitchen|30 Litre Oven Toaster Griller|Convection Fan&Rotisserie Function|Stainless Steel Oven|Temperature Control|2-Yr Warranty By Brand|Gold&Black,1600 Watts
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Owners mention excellent baking and roasting results, ease of use, and how the oven light adds everyday convenience.
Why choose this product?
It's perfect for those wanting both performance and elegance - a multifunctional OTG built for consistent results and lasting style.
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The Longway Royal 12L OTG is compact and confidence-boosting for solo cooks or busy couples. Its intuitive timer and wide temperature range mean you can toast, bake, or grill without second-guessing, and the heat-resistant handle makes every meal safe to handle. With essential accessories included, it's ready for pizzas, cakes, or simple snacks the moment it's out of the box. The modern design fits kitchens easily and saves precious space.
Specifications
Capacity
12L
Power
1000W
Temperature
50–250°C
Warranty
1 Year Reasons to buy
Perfect size for bachelors or small kitchens
Simple, reliable performance for daily tasks Reasons to avoid
Not made for large roasts or family dinners
Fewer features than premium models Click Here to Buy
Longway Royal OTG 12 Ltr Oven Toaster Griller with Heating Modes | Temperature Timer Control for Baking Pizza, Cake, Grilling Chicken & Toasting Bread|1 Year Warranty (1000 W, Black)
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Most enjoy its convenience, ease of cleaning, and consistent toasting and baking - great for first-time buyers and solo use.
Why choose this product?
It's affordable, practical, and makes small-batch cooking effortless, letting newcomers explore a range of recipes worry-free.
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Compact and practical, the iBELL EO19LG 19L OTG brings everyday convenience to kitchens big and small. With six heating modes and a reliable timer, you can bake, grill, and toast with the kind of flexibility busy lives need. Tempered glass lets you check on food without fuss, and the all-black finish fits right in anywhere. Easy to use and easy to clean, it's built for hassle-free cooking with peace of mind from its extended warranty.
Specifications
Capacity
19L
Power
1500W
Heating Modes
6
Warranty
1+1 Years (with registration) Reasons to buy
Flexible heating options for varied recipes
Sturdy, space-saving build Reasons to avoid
Not ideal for very large batches
Needs prompt warranty registration for extra coverage Click Here to Buy
iBELL EO19LG | OTG 19 Litre, Oven Toaster Griller with Multi-Stage Heating Modes, Auto Off, 1500Watt | Black
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers appreciate its simplicity, solid performance, and the peace of mind that comes from responsive after-sales support.
Why choose this product?
It's perfect for those seeking an affordable, reliable OTG that serves daily needs with no fuss and minimal maintenance requirements.
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The Morphy Richards Digital OTG (29L, Deep Blue) goes far beyond classic baking. Air fry guilt-free chips and snacks, dehydrate fruit for healthy nibbles, or host roast nights with succulently grilled meats thanks to the convection and rotisserie features. The digital display and 13 preset menus take the guesswork out of prep, making everyday meals and weekend treats effortless. Stylish, versatile, and built to last, it's a true multitasker for creative cooks.
Specifications
Capacity
29L
Power
2000W
Preset Menus
13 (digital)
Warranty
2 Years Reasons to buy
Air fryer and dehydrator add real versatility
Simple digital controls make varied recipes easy Reasons to avoid
Takes up more counter space
Higher price than basic OTGs Click Here to Buy
Morphy Richards Digital Otg Oven For Kitchen|29 Litre Oven Toaster Griller W/ 13 Preset Menu|Rotisserie,Convection W/In-Built Air-Fryer & Dehydrator Function|2-Yr Warranty By Brand|Deep Blue-2000 W
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
People love the convenience and multipurpose value, especially how it replaces several appliances while providing reliable, even cooking.
Why choose this product?
For those who want more than just an oven, this OTG's flexibility supports inventive home cooking and saves space in the kitchen.
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With the Morphy Richards Digichef 48L OTG, busy families and food lovers can enjoy fuss-free variety with every meal. Its full digital interface and a massive 59 pre-set menu options make everything from quick toasties to ambitious bakes easy. Independent temperature control, quick preheating, and a handy oven light give you confidence (and a clear view) every time. The convection and rotisserie modes help guarantee even cooking for cakes, meats, and more, all in a durable stainless steel body.
Specifications
Capacity
48L
Power
2000W
Pre-set Menus
59 Reasons to buy
Huge preset menu cuts out the guesswork
Fast preheat saves precious time Reasons to avoid
Takes more space in a small kitchen
Slight learning curve with full digital interface Click Here to Buy
Morphy Richards Digichef Customized Auto Cook Modes 59 Pre-Set Menus Stainless Steel Body Oven Toaster Griller RCSS - 48 Liters (Silver)2000w Watt
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Reviewers praise its menu range, quick start-up, and the even baking for large family meals and festive occasions.
Why choose this product?
Its tailored programmes, rapid heating, and no-nonsense controls suit anyone who wants delicious, consistent results without constantly hovering over the oven.
Which OTG size is best for my family's needs?
The right OTG size depends on your family. For singles or couples, a 15–20 litre model is usually sufficient. Mid-size families will benefit from 25–35 litres, while those who entertain or bake often should opt for 40 litres and above for larger batches and flexibility.
How important is convection and rotisserie in an OTG?
Convection circulates hot air for evenly baked cakes, cookies, and pizzas, ensuring consistent results. Rotisserie lets you roast meats perfectly, crispy outside, juicy inside. If you enjoy experimenting with different foods or want professional-quality results, investing in an OTG with both features brings better value and versatility at home.
What safety features should I look for in an OTG?
Essential safety features include a heat-resistant tempered glass door, auto shut-off timer with alarm, cool-touch handles, and overheat protection. These offer peace of mind, especially in homes with children. Some advanced models also have child locks and insulated exteriors for extra safety during daily use.
Are preset menus and digital controls necessary in an OTG?
Preset menus and digital interfaces streamline everyday cooking by automatically selecting temperatures and timers for common recipes, reducing errors for beginners. While traditional dial-operated OTGs work fine for basics, digital controls and presets are fantastic for multitaskers and those who appreciate an easier, smarter cooking experience.
How do energy efficiency and wattage affect OTG performance?
Higher wattage OTGs heat up quicker and cook food faster but can draw more electricity. Energy efficiency depends on insulation, timer accuracy, and design. Look for models with good build quality and clear energy ratings, they offer faster, even cooking with lower power bills, making everyday use more affordable.
Factors to consider when buying a new OTG
Consider the capacity and select an OTG size that suits your family and available kitchen space.
Check the cooking functions and ensure the OTG offers features like convection, rotisserie, and presets for versatility.
Make sure temperature and timer controls are adjustable for precise and consistent cooking results.
Look for build quality, choosing durable materials such as stainless steel and heat-resistant glass for longer life and safety.
Ensure the OTG is easy to clean with features like a removable crumb tray and a non-stick interior.
Top 3 features of the best OTGs
Best OTGs Capacity Wattage Special Function Philips HD6977/00 55L Digital OTG 55L 2000W 11 preset menus Glen Multi-Function OTG 35L (SA5035BLRC) 35L 2100W 6 heating modes, rotisserie AGARO Marvel OTG 25L 25L 1600W 5 heating modes, rotisserie Wonderchef 60L OTG 60L 2000W Convection & rotisserie Wonderchef OTG 17L 17L 1280W Compact, adjustable controls Morphy Richards 30Rcss OTG 30L 1600W Convection & rotisserie Longway Royal OTG 12L 12L 1000W Multi-mode timer + tray iBELL EO19LG OTG 19L 19L 1500W 6 heating modes Morphy Richards Digital OTG 29L 29L 2000W Air fryer & dehydrator Morphy Richards Digichef 48L RCSS OTG 48L 2000W 59 preset auto menus
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FAQs on OTGs Can I use metal utensils in an OTG? Yes, metal utensils and trays are safe, unlike microwaves, for baking and grilling.
Do OTGs need preheating? Yes, preheating ensures even cooking and accurate results, especially for cakes, pizzas, and other baked recipes.
What's the difference between OTG and microwave? OTGs grill, bake, and toast using heating elements, while microwaves are faster for reheating but can't grill or brown.
Is cleaning an OTG difficult? No, most have removable crumb trays and non-stick interiors, making regular cleaning simple and hassle-free.
How often should I service my OTG?
Routine cleaning suffices. Service only if you notice performance issues, strange noises, or heating problems developing.
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
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Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Indian Express
Fifty per cent off: Close to flagship-level ANC, now at a great price
It might have become a mainstream feature in headphones but the quality of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) often fluctuates depending on their price. While you can get headphones with ANC for as little as Rs 2,000, the ANC on them often cancels out very little noise. If you really practical ANC – the type that blocks out a fair amount of external noise – then you generally need to spend in excess of Rs 10,000. Well, until recently. For, thanks to a price cut, the Sony WH-CH720 headphones are now available for well under Rs 10,000, a drop of almost fifty per cent from their original price. Sony launched the WH-CH720 in 2023 as its budget ANC offering. While the headphones were initially available at a price of Rs 9,990, their price shot up substantially in the days that followed, going up to Rs 14,990. And Rs 14,990 remains their official price even today. However, they are often available at much lower prices, going down to almost Rs 7,000 – Rs 7,500 on many e-retailers, most notably Amazon. At the time of writing this piece, the Sony WH-CH720 were available on Amazon for Rs 7,551 and at Rs 7,994 at Croma, which is close to half their official price and also come with bank offers that further reduce their price. For instance, at the time of writing, the WH-CH720 came with a Rs 1,000 flat discount on all bank cards on Amazon, making their price effectively Rs 6,500. We think that even at their official price of Rs 14,990, the Sony WH-CH720 are a pretty good deal. At almost half that price, they get into the steal category. And that is because even more than two years after their release, these headphones pack quite a punch. Their design has remained totally unchanged, although Sony has recently added a very eye-catching pink colour to the existing options of black, blue and white. Although made mainly of plastic, they have a very premium look to them and have a design very similar to the ULT range of bass heavy headphones Sony released in 2024 – round cups connected with a headband. At 192 grams, these are among the lightest ANC headphones we have ever used – some might say they are even too light, although they have a solid feel to them. Both earcups and headband have padding on them, although we would call it adequate rather than generous. The headband does not exert too much pressure on your head, allowing you to wear these for hours without any discomfort. Controls are through buttons (no touch touches) with volume and ANC controls on the left earcup and on/off controls on the right (with a USB Type-C port for charging and 3.5 mm audio jack as well). All in all, the WH-CH720 cut a very smart figure (the pink ones look stunning) and thanks to their light weight and cushioning, are very comfortable to wear. Mind you, there is no carrying case in the box, and as the earcups can only rotate 90 degrees, they cannot fold totally inwards, which makes them a little bulky. The Sony WH-CH720 sound very good too, if you are mainly seeking clarity and a relatively balanced output. The headphones come with 30 mm drivers, and while they do not have the bass-centric sound that many Sony headphones have (you can tweak this using the equaliser options available in the companion app), they sound pleasant enough for most mainstream hearing tasks, whether it is casual listening to music, podcasts and watching films and shows. The sound stage is not the widest, but for their current price, they are comfortably among the best wireless headphones out there in terms of audio quality, although they do not come with support for Sony's own LDAC format (they support the more mainstream AAC and SBC). This is not audiophile level sound, but then you do not get that from any set of ANC headphones at this price point. Volume levels are very good, with quality not getting compromised even at high volumes (we generally found ourselves using these at about 75 per cent volume). There is support for 360 degree sound, but that is available only through limited (and paid) apps. While their audio quality is good, the best reason for investing in the Sony WH-CH720 is their noise cancellation. Most sub-Rs 10,000 ANC headphones come with very basic ANC that cancel out some noise, but are of little use in really noisy conditions. The WH-CH720, however, deliver the kind of ANC that we are used to at much higher price points, and are close to what you get from premium flagships. They largely removed regular traffic noises and the hum of the metro and even killed a lot of the chatter in the cafes where we worked. What's more, they come with Adaptive Sound Control, which changes the level of ANC, depending on your location and activity. This detects four conditions – staying, walking, running and riding a vehicle and adjusts the noise cancellation accordingly: ANC is turned on in staying, and riding a vehicle, while it is reduced or removed altogether and ambient sound mode is activated when you are walking or running, letting external sounds come in. You can even change settings for different locations using the very handy companion mode. The ambient sound mode is very good too, and actually quietens other sounds and keeps voices louder. As we said, this is the kind of facility you get in flagship phones. Another highlight of the WH-CH720 is their battery life. Sony claims 35 hours of battery life with ANC and 50 hours without, and the headphones deliver that. We found ourselves getting through a week easily on a single charge with 4-5 hours of daily usage, even while using ANC. Charging them does take time, though – a 33W charger took about three and a half hours to charge them fully after they got drained. They are not perfect, but the Sony WH-CH720 do deliver a lot at their current price of around Rs 7500. Audiophiles might wish for a more pristine sound, and even those who like to work on the move might expect a case to carry them, or greater foldability. Their being light is also a bit of a mixed blessing – we have been a little terrified that they might break, although they have been around for more than a year. But all of those quibbles fade into insignificance when you consider what these headphones deliver – very good audio quality for mainstream users, excellent battery life and best of all, superb ANC, which is comfortably the best in not just its price segment but even up to Rs 15,000. If you are looking for headphones with great ANC and are on a relatively tight budget, grab these. If you play your cards right (pun intended), you could even get them for Rs 6,500- Rs 7,000, which makes them staggering value for money!
Indian Express
12 hours ago
- Indian Express
Alexa got an AI brain transplant. How smart is it now?
For the last few years, I've been waiting for Alexa's AI glow-up. I've been a loyal user of Alexa, the voice assistant that powers Amazon's home devices and smart speakers, for more than a decade. I have five Alexa-enabled speakers scattered throughout my house, and while I don't use them for anything complicated — playing music, setting timers and getting the weather forecast are basically it — they're good at what they do. But since 2023, when ChatGPT added an AI voice mode that could answer questions in a fluid, conversational way, it has been obvious that Alexa would need a brain transplant — a new AI system built around the same large language models, or LLMs, that power ChatGPT and other products. LLM-based systems are smarter and more versatile than older systems. They can handle more complex requests, making them an obvious pick for a next-generation voice assistant. Amazon agrees. For the last few years, the company has been working feverishly to upgrade the AI inside Alexa. It has been a slog. Replacing the AI technology inside a voice assistant isn't as easy as swapping in a new model, and the Alexa remodel was reportedly delayed by internal struggles and technical challenges along the way. LLMs also aren't a perfect match for this kind of product, which not only needs to work with tons of preexisting services and millions of Alexa-enabled devices but also needs to reliably perform basic tasks. But finally, the new Alexa — known as Alexa+ — is here. It's a big, ambitious remodel that is trying to marry the conversational skills of generative AI chatbots with the daily tasks that the old Alexa did well. Alexa+, which has been available to testers through an early-access program for a few months, is now being rolled out more widely. I got it recently after I bought a compatible device (the Echo Show 8, which has an 8-inch screen) and enrolled in the upgraded version. (Prime members will get Alexa+ at no cost, while non-Prime members will have to pay $19.99 per month.) The New York Times recently announced a licensing deal with Amazon, which will allow Amazon to use Times content in its AI systems, including Alexa+. The Times is also suing OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, and Microsoft for alleged copyright violations related to the training of AI systems. I have good news and bad news for my fellow Alexa-heads. The good news is that the new Alexa+ is, in fact, more fun to talk to than the old one, with more realistic synthetic voices and a more humanlike cadence. (There are eight voices to choose from; I used the default setting, an upbeat female voice.) And I liked some of Alexa+'s new capabilities, such as booking a table at a restaurant and generating long stories and reading them to my 3-year-old. The new Alexa is also better at handling multistep requests. 'Set three kitchen timers for 15, 25 and 45 minutes' and 'write a one-day itinerary for a trip to San Diego and send it to my email' were two prompts that worked for me. And Alexa+ doesn't require you to say its wake word every time you talk to it, so you can go back and forth or ask it follow-up questions, which is a nice change. The bad news is that despite its new capabilities, Alexa+ is too buggy and unreliable for me to recommend. In my testing, it not only lagged behind ChatGPT's voice mode and other AI voice assistants I've tried but also was noticeably worse than the original Alexa at some basic tasks. When I asked Alexa+ to cancel an alarm the other morning — a request I had made to the old Alexa hundreds of times with no issues — it simply ignored me. When I emailed a research paper to alexa@ in order to hear Alexa+ summarize it while I washed the dishes, I got an error message saying the document couldn't be found. Alexa+ also hallucinated some facts and made some inexplicable errors. When I asked it to look up Wirecutter's recommended box grater and add it to my Amazon cart, it responded that 'according to Wirecutter, the best box grater is the OXO Good Grips Box Grater.' Wirecutter's actual box grater pick is the Cuisipro 4-Sided Box Grater. Luckily, I caught the mistake before ordering. When I asked Alexa+ to walk me through installing a new AI model on my laptop, it got tripped up and started repeating, 'Oh, no, my wires got crossed.' And I didn't have access to some of the new Alexa+ features Amazon advertised, such as a 'routine' feature that triggers several different actions when a user enters a room. (I wanted to have Alexa+ greet me in the mornings with a motivational speech and a high-volume rendition of 'Eye of the Tiger,' but the presence-sensing feature hasn't been turned on yet, according to an Amazon spokesperson.) Daniel Rausch, the Amazon vice president who oversees Alexa and Echo, told me in a recent podcast interview that many of these flaws would be fixed soon as Alexa+ rolled out more widely and more of its features came online. 'We've got some edges to sand,' he said. Alexa, Give Me 500 Words on the History of Kitchen Timers Rausch said the biggest challenge in building generative AI models into Alexa was that they were fundamentally different types of systems. The old Alexa, he said, was built on a complicated web of rule-based, deterministic algorithms. Setting timers, playing songs on Spotify, turning off the lamp in your living room — all of these features required calling up different tools and connecting with different interfaces, and they all had to be programmed one by one. Adding generative AI to Alexa forced Amazon to rebuild many of these processes, Rausch said. Large language models, he said, are 'stochastic,' meaning they operate on probabilities rather than a strict set of rules. That made Alexa more creative but less reliable. It also made the voice assistant slow. Rausch recalled an early internal demo in which Alexa+ took more than 30 seconds to play a song — an 'excruciating' delay, he said, that led the team to rethink its approach. 'These models are slow to respond when they're following a deep set of instructions,' he said. 'We're asking them to do something quite hard.' Another challenge to overcome, Rausch said, was generative AI's wordiness. Initially, when engineers hooked Alexa up to large language models, the system would sometimes produce long, verbose answers or introduce needless complexity. Alexa+ might respond to a user's request for a 10-minute kitchen timer with a 500-word essay about the history of kitchen timers. The solution, Rausch said, was to spend several years combining more than 70 AI models — some Amazon's proprietary models and some from outside providers, like Anthropic's Claude — into a single, voice-based interface, with an orchestration system that routes a user's request to the model that is best suited to handle it. 'The magic, when it is working really well, is to get those new ways of speaking to Alexa to interface with those predictable outcomes or behaviors,' he said. There are other barriers, too. One of them, Rausch said, is that many longtime users have learned how to 'speak Alexa,' phrasing their daily requests in familiar commands that they know the system will understand. 'We all sort of came up with our way of setting a timer to get the pasta done on time,' he said. But Alexa+ processes language in a more fluid way. Users can talk to it as they would talk to a human — no robot pidgin required — and that may necessitate some retraining. I assume that many of the flaws will be ironed out and that most users will acclimate to the new way of speaking to Alexa+. I'm also inclined to cut Amazon some slack, since building LLM-based technology into a reliable voice assistant seems like a thorny technical problem, and it's not like anyone else has solved it. (Apple, which has been struggling to give Siri an AI upgrade for years, certainly hasn't.) I also don't think the limitations of Alexa+ suggest that generative AI models are inherently unreliable or that they'll never work as personal voice assistants. Ultimately, I think it's just really hard to combine generative AI with older, legacy systems — a lesson many companies, both inside and outside tech, are learning the hard way right now — and it's going to take some time to work out all the kinks. For now, I'm going to downgrade my devices to the older, less intelligent version of Alexa and leave the beta testing to others. With AI, as with humans, sometimes raw intelligence matters less than how you use it.
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Time of India
Alexa got an AI brain transplant: How smart is it now
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads For the last few years, I've been waiting for Alexa 's AI glow-up.I've been a loyal user of Alexa, the voice assistant that powers Amazon 's home devices and smart speakers, for more than a decade. I have five Alexa-enabled speakers scattered throughout my house, and while I don't use them for anything complicated -- playing music, setting timers and getting the weather forecast are basically it -- they're good at what they since 2023, when ChatGPT added an AI voice mode that could answer questions in a fluid, conversational way, it has been obvious that Alexa would need a brain transplant -- a new AI system built around the same large language models, or LLMs, that power ChatGPT and other products. LLM-based systems are smarter and more versatile than older systems. They can handle more complex requests, making them an obvious pick for a next-generation voice agrees. For the last few years, the company has been working feverishly to upgrade the AI inside Alexa. It has been a slog. Replacing the AI technology inside a voice assistant isn't as easy as swapping in a new model, and the Alexa remodel was reportedly delayed by internal struggles and technical challenges along the way. LLMs also aren't a perfect match for this kind of product, which not only needs to work with tons of preexisting services and millions of Alexa-enabled devices but also needs to reliably perform basic finally, the new Alexa -- known as Alexa+ -- is here. It's a big, ambitious remodel that is trying to marry the conversational skills of generative AI chatbots with the daily tasks that the old Alexa did which has been available to testers through an early-access program for a few months, is now being rolled out more widely. I got it recently after I bought a compatible device (the Echo Show 8, which has an 8-inch screen) and enrolled in the upgraded version. (Prime members will get Alexa+ at no cost, while non-Prime members will have to pay $19.99 per month.)The New York Times recently announced a licensing deal with Amazon, which will allow Amazon to use Times content in its AI systems, including Alexa+. The Times is also suing OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, and Microsoft for alleged copyright violations related to the training of AI systems.I have good news and bad news for my fellow good news is that the new Alexa+ is, in fact, more fun to talk to than the old one, with more realistic synthetic voices and a more humanlike cadence. (There are eight voices to choose from; I used the default setting, an upbeat female voice.)And I liked some of Alexa+'s new capabilities, such as booking a table at a restaurant and generating long stories and reading them to my new Alexa is also better at handling multistep requests. "Set three kitchen timers for 15, 25 and 45 minutes" and "write a one-day itinerary for a trip to San Diego and send it to my email" were two prompts that worked for Alexa+ doesn't require you to say its wake word every time you talk to it, so you can go back and forth or ask it follow-up questions, which is a nice bad news is that despite its new capabilities, Alexa+ is too buggy and unreliable for me to recommend. In my testing, it not only lagged behind ChatGPT's voice mode and other AI voice assistants I've tried but also was noticeably worse than the original Alexa at some basic I asked Alexa+ to cancel an alarm the other morning -- a request I had made to the old Alexa hundreds of times with no issues -- it simply ignored I emailed a research paper to alexa@ in order to hear Alexa+ summarize it while I washed the dishes, I got an error message saying the document couldn't be also hallucinated some facts and made some inexplicable errors. When I asked it to look up Wirecutter 's recommended box grater and add it to my Amazon cart, it responded that "according to Wirecutter, the best box grater is the OXO Good Grips Box Grater." Wirecutter's actual box grater pick is the Cuisipro 4-Sided Box Grater. Luckily, I caught the mistake before ordering. When I asked Alexa+ to walk me through installing a new AI model on my laptop, it got tripped up and started repeating, "Oh, no, my wires got crossed."And I didn't have access to some of the new Alexa+ features Amazon advertised, such as a "routine" feature that triggers several different actions when a user enters a room. (I wanted to have Alexa+ greet me in the mornings with a motivational speech and a high-volume rendition of "Eye of the Tiger," but the presence-sensing feature hasn't been turned on yet, according to an Amazon spokesperson.)Daniel Rausch , the Amazon vice president who oversees Alexa and Echo, told me in a recent podcast interview that many of these flaws would be fixed soon as Alexa+ rolled out more widely and more of its features came online."We've got some edges to sand," he said the biggest challenge in building generative AI models into Alexa was that they were fundamentally different types of old Alexa, he said, was built on a complicated web of rule-based, deterministic algorithms. Setting timers, playing songs on Spotify, turning off the lamp in your living room -- all of these features required calling up different tools and connecting with different interfaces, and they all had to be programmed one by generative AI to Alexa forced Amazon to rebuild many of these processes, Rausch said. Large language models, he said, are "stochastic," meaning they operate on probabilities rather than a strict set of rules. That made Alexa more creative but less also made the voice assistant slow. Rausch recalled an early internal demo in which Alexa+ took more than 30 seconds to play a song -- an "excruciating" delay, he said, that led the team to rethink its approach."These models are slow to respond when they're following a deep set of instructions," he said. "We're asking them to do something quite hard."Another challenge to overcome, Rausch said, was generative AI's wordiness. Initially, when engineers hooked Alexa up to large language models, the system would sometimes produce long, verbose answers or introduce needless complexity. Alexa+ might respond to a user's request for a 10-minute kitchen timer with a 500-word essay about the history of kitchen solution, Rausch said, was to spend several years combining more than 70 AI models -- some Amazon's proprietary models and some from outside providers, like Anthropic's Claude -- into a single, voice-based interface, with an orchestration system that routes a user's request to the model that is best suited to handle it."The magic, when it is working really well, is to get those new ways of speaking to Alexa to interface with those predictable outcomes or behaviors," he are other barriers, too. One of them, Rausch said, is that many longtime users have learned how to "speak Alexa," phrasing their daily requests in familiar commands that they know the system will understand."We all sort of came up with our way of setting a timer to get the pasta done on time," he Alexa+ processes language in a more fluid way. Users can talk to it as they would talk to a human -- no robot pidgin required -- and that may necessitate some retraining.I assume that many of the flaws will be ironed out and that most users will acclimate to the new way of speaking to Alexa+. I'm also inclined to cut Amazon some slack, since building LLM-based technology into a reliable voice assistant seems like a thorny technical problem, and it's not like anyone else has solved it. ( Apple , which has been struggling to give Siri an AI upgrade for years, certainly hasn't.)I also don't think the limitations of Alexa+ suggest that generative AI models are inherently unreliable or that they'll never work as personal voice assistants. Ultimately, I think it's just really hard to combine generative AI with older, legacy systems -- a lesson many companies, both inside and outside tech, are learning the hard way right now -- and it's going to take some time to work out all the now, I'm going to downgrade my devices to the older, less intelligent version of Alexa and leave the beta testing to others. With AI, as with humans, sometimes raw intelligence matters less than how you use it.
