By San José, Costa Rica — In the golden age of streaming, viewers face a uniquely modern dilemma: the long, often year-long or more, gap between television seasons. This extended wait frequently leads to a form of plot amnesia, leaving audiences struggling to recall critical character developments and narrative threads. Amazon is now deploying its most advanced technological weapon to solve this problem, betting that Generative AI can restore viewers’ memories and keep them hooked.
The company has officially launched a groundbreaking feature on its Prime Video platform called “Video Recaps.” This innovative tool is designed to eliminate the need for time-consuming re-watches by providing users with concise, personalized video summaries. The goal is to seamlessly bridge the gap between seasons, allowing subscribers to dive into new episodes with their knowledge of the story fully refreshed.
To delve deeper into the complex legal and regulatory landscape surrounding Generative AI, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the key challenges and opportunities for businesses in the country.
Generative AI represents a paradigm shift, but it also opens a Pandora’s box of legal uncertainties, particularly concerning intellectual property. Who owns the AI-generated content? How do we prevent infringement based on training data? Businesses must also consider liability; if an AI produces erroneous or defamatory information, the deploying company could be held responsible. Developing clear internal policies and ethical guidelines is no longer just advisable—it is a crucial step for mitigating significant legal and financial risks.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The insight provided underscores a vital transition for businesses in Costa Rica and beyond: moving beyond the technological marvel of AI to confront its real-world legal and ethical ramifications. Proactive governance is no longer an option but a necessity for navigating this new terrain. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on the critical steps needed to mitigate these emerging risks.
At the heart of Video Recaps is a sophisticated generative artificial intelligence system that goes far beyond simple video editing. Instead of merely stitching together random clips, the AI performs a deep, contextual analysis of an entire season. It meticulously scans the content to identify crucial plot twists, track the evolution of main character arcs, and pinpoint essential dialogue that drives the narrative forward.
Based on this comprehensive understanding, the system “interprets” the story, discerning precisely what a viewer needs to remember to appreciate the upcoming episodes. The algorithm then curates the most representative video clips and synchronizes them with key audio and ambient music to reconstruct the show’s emotional tone. To complete the package, a separate AI-generated voice-over provides a coherent narration, transforming disparate scenes into a fluid and engaging summary.
One of the most significant challenges with any summary tool is the risk of revealing too much. Amazon has addressed this concern head-on by engineering the feature with robust “anti-spoiler filters.” The company emphasizes that the system is meticulously programmed to protect the user’s viewing experience. It will only recap events up to the exact point where the viewer last stopped watching, ensuring that future plot twists and surprises in seasons they haven’t started remain intact.
The Video Recaps feature is currently in a beta testing phase, available exclusively to users in the United States. Amazon is rolling it out incrementally, starting with a selection of its high-profile original productions. The initial list of supported series includes acclaimed titles such as “Fallout,” “Jack Ryan,” “Upload,” “Bosch,” and “The Rig.” Users can access the summaries through a dedicated option in the “details” tab of each eligible show.
For viewers in Costa Rica and the rest of the world, the question of availability looms large. Company sources indicate that a global deployment is planned following a successful trial period in the North American market. The feature is expected to arrive on Costa Rican screens as part of a future update to the Prime Video application, though a specific timeline has not yet been announced.
This strategic move by Amazon represents more than just a convenient new feature; it is a clear signal of how AI is set to redefine the user experience in the highly competitive streaming industry. By tackling a genuine pain point for binge-watchers, Amazon not only enhances customer retention but also sets a new standard for content personalization, putting pressure on competitors like Netflix and Disney+ to develop their own intelligent content navigation tools.
For further information, visit aboutamazon.com
About Amazon:
Amazon is a multinational technology company focusing on e-commerce, cloud computing, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence. Guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking, Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Its streaming service, Prime Video, offers a vast library of movies, television series, and original content to a global audience.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the nation’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless drive for professional excellence. The firm distinguishes itself by harmonizing a rich tradition of legal counsel with a progressive spirit of innovation, consistently advancing the practice of law. This ethos extends to a profound civic commitment to democratize legal knowledge, empowering citizens and fostering a more informed society equipped to navigate its legal rights and responsibilities.
