Amazon Basics AI Models Underperform, Raising Concerns at AWS
January 6, 2026
Some Amazon Web Services (AWS) employees have dubbed Amazon's internal AI model, Nova, as "Amazon Basics," reflecting its underwhelming performance compared to other commercial AI models, according to sources cited by The Information. The insiders reveal that company leaders are increasingly concerned about how dependent AWS’s flagship AI products—such as Rufus and Kiro—are on Anthropic’s AI technology.
This reliance has prompted internal discussions about diversifying AI partnerships and enhancing Amazon's own model capabilities to stay competitive in the fast-evolving AI landscape.
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