Amazon is propelling its digital assistant technology into the future with Alexa+, a next-generation version of Alexa infused with generative AI. This enhanced assistant boasts more natural language capabilities, a wider array of agentic features, and the ability to transform voice commands into automated routines, among other advancements.
The AI enhancements driving Alexa+ are powered by Amazon Nova and Anthropic’s Claude AI models. Amazon claims these models will not only make conversations feel more natural but also more personalized. Alexa+ can remember user preferences and favorites, recalling these details contextually thanks to an integrated memory system, similar to Google Gemini’s recent advancements. This memory also allows for seamless conversation continuation across devices, from Echo speakers to smartphones and even connected car interfaces.
Accessing Alexa+
Alexa+ is available free to Amazon Prime subscribers in the US as part of an early access program. Access is granted through a new mobile app available for Android and iOS devices. Early access sign-up is currently available here. Amazon also offers a web client accessible via any browser at Alexa.com. For those without a Prime subscription, Alexa+ access is available for $19.99.
Hardware support is currently limited to the Echo Show series (8, 10, 15, and 21-inch models). Once activated on an Echo Show, Alexa+ becomes available across all other compatible Echo devices. However, some older devices are excluded, including:
- Echo Dot 1st Gen
- Echo 1st Gen
- Echo Plus 1st Gen
- Echo Tap
- Echo Show 1st Gen
- Echo Show 2nd Gen
- Echo Spot 1st Gen
Enhanced Features of Alexa+
According to Amazon, the Alexa+ experience improves with continued use. One significant upgrade is its seamless cross-platform task execution across services like GrubHub, Yelp, Amazon, Apple Music, Netflix, and more. Users can request tasks such as making restaurant reservations and simultaneously texting friends about the plans. This agentic functionality allows Alexa+ to perform actions on third-party websites on behalf of the user. Similar to OpenAI’s Operator tool, but at a significantly lower cost, Alexa+ handles authentication, information input, and task completion across various platforms. It can order groceries, play music, book appointments, track ticket sales, and provide updates from Ring Camera activity.
Alexa+ can also perform complex tasks, such as finding and scheduling a plumber after performing a web search. It can book rides, track deals, find tickets, assist with travel planning, and more, thanks to API integrations with partner brands and services.
Furthermore, Alexa+ functions as an AI chatbot, pulling real-time information from reliable sources like Reuters, Associated Press, and The Washington Post. It can generate images from text or voice prompts and even create music through a partnership with Suno. Mirroring functionalities found in Google Gemini and Apple’s upcoming Siri app intent system, Alexa+ transforms voice commands into actions and routines. Users can simply instruct it to create device control automations without complex app-based setups.
A Comprehensive Companion
Amazon envisions Alexa+ as a comprehensive companion for every household member. “Alexa+ is designed to take action, and is able to orchestrate across tens of thousands of services and devices—which, to our knowledge, has never been done at this scale,” states Amazon. Its smart home control capabilities include preparing the TV and starting a specific show while the user is en route, checking Ring camera footage for package deliveries, and seamlessly transferring music playback between speakers. Leveraging its large language model and partnerships, Alexa+ provides solutions similar to ChatGPT or Gemini, answering queries and offering information.
Users can enhance Alexa+’s knowledge base by uploading documents, emails, photos, and messages via browser, mobile app, or email. This allows Alexa+ to remember, summarize, and act upon this information. File comprehension allows it to extract details from uploaded ticket images and add them to calendars, or to convert educational materials into interactive quizzes for children.
Alexa+ can also provide schedule updates based on calendar entries. The Alexa+ Daily Briefings feature summarizes trending events, while the For You widget notifies users of upcoming alerts and commitments. Like Google’s Smart Compose and Apple’s Writing Tools, Alexa+ can generate original content with user modification options. Email and message summarization are also included.
Enhanced Entertainment and Functionality
In the entertainment domain, Alexa+ can locate specific scenes within movies, such as “play the scene from a movie where Tom Hanks runs a marathon,” and automatically launch and fast-forward to that point within Prime Video. Natural language search enables users to find photos and videos in their galleries by describing their content. Alexa+ Kids provides a dedicated experience with restrictions on activities like voice shopping and mature content.
Vision-based capabilities allow Alexa+ to assess groceries via a camera and suggest needed items or recipes. It can recognize faces and objects to trigger actions, allowing users to create reminders like “When you see the dog, inform me through the study room speaker.” Routine creation is simplified, allowing users to describe multi-step, multi-device plans verbally, which Alexa+ automatically converts into routines. Options for creating personalized long-term routines based on weather or weekly/monthly progress are also available.
Alexa+ represents a significant advancement in digital assistant technology. Its focus on AI-driven upgrades combined with practical smart home control features offers a cohesive and granular user experience.
