If latest reports are to be believed, Amazon's Echo will dominate the artificial intelligence (AI) space in 2017. In 2016 too, Amazon Echo dominated sales and was one of the topmost selling items on Amazon.com. Around six million Echo devices were sold in 2016, a report estimates. Those who are unaware of what the device accomplishes, the Amazon Echo features a personal AI assistant, known as Alexa, and it can handle a number of functions such as controlling smart devices, playing music and answering questions.

According to Tech Times, Amazon Echo was a hit product in CES 2017 as many companies such as Ford, General Electric and LG announced that they would soon incorporate Alexa into their devices. The AI commands in Echo are already embedded in the system. The device even allows users to connect with apps such as Twitter, Uber, Nest Thermostats including many others. Amazon Echo is connected to the Amazon e-tail ecosystem and seamless integration with the titanic Amazon inventory has made the device extremely popular.

Amazon is reportedly looking to subsidize Echo by bundling content with the device with the end-goal of facilitating interactions. However, Amazon Echo has very tough competition from Google Assistant and Microsoft's intelligent personal assistant Cortana. Even Apple's Siri is a major threat. Google, of course, benefits immensely from its search inventory. Another pain point for Amazon Echo is the nearly 1.5 billion Android users around the world who can easily upgrade to Google Assistant.

However, Microsoft is not far behind as it dominates by developing business software such as MS Office. Moreover, automakers such as Nissan and Volkswagen are in talks with Microsoft to use its technologies. Nissan is reportedly roping in Microsoft for its next generation cars Cortana will play a major role. Stay tuned on Mobile & Apps for more updates on Amazon Echo and its AI Assistant Alexa.