Interview: Our overall vision is for Alexa to be everywhere, says Parag Gupta, Head of Amazon Devices-India

Powerful functionality, myriad uses and a reliable companion—all these terms aptly define Alexa, the brain behind Amazon’s Echo range of smart speakers. In the last few months, hundreds of thousands of customers in India have purchased Echo devices and welcomed Alexa (virtual assistant) in their homes, says Parag Gupta, Head of Amazon Devices India. “Be it early morning alarms or reminders to get daily chores done, closing the day with a bed-time story, or understanding requests in English and Hindi, Alexa has emerged efficient and dependable, gradually becoming a favourite companion across many households,” he tells Sudhir Chowdhary in a recent interview. Excerpts:

How are Indian homes changing with Alexa?
Hundreds of thousands of customers in India have purchased Echo devices and welcomed Alexa in their homes.