Amazon Unveils Alexa+: A Next-Generation AI Assistant Poised to Transform Smart Home Interactions

Alexa+: A Next-Generation Assistant Powered By Generative AI

Enhanced Conversational Abilities: Alexa+ utilizes advanced , allowing it to engage in more natural and free-flowing conversations. This improvement enables users to interact with Alexa+ without the need for specific command structures, making interactions more intuitive and human-like. Personalized Assistance: By leveraging AI, Alexa+ can remember user preferences, routines, and habits, offering tailored recommendations and reminders. For instance, it can suggest recipes based on dietary preferences or remind users of upcoming appointments, enhancing its role as a personal assistant. Task Automation: Alexa+ introduces agentic capabilities, enabling it to perform tasks independently without continuous user prompts. This feature allows Alexa+ to navigate digital services, book reservations, order groceries, and manage smart home devices autonomously, streamlining daily tasks for users. Visual Interaction: On devices equipped with displays, Alexa+ offers a more interactive experience. Users can utilize customizable widgets, view animated icons called "Alexicons," and even have Alexa+ read and interpret documents, enhancing the visual aspect of interactions. Creative Content Generation: With its generative AI capabilities, Alexa+ can create AI-generated art, compose music, and craft stories based on user prompts, providing a creative and entertaining experience.

What is Alexa+: Amazon's next-generation assistant is powered by generative-AI

Powered by generative AI, Alexa+ is a reinvention of Amazon's hugely successful voice assistant. As well as giving you answers to specific questions and performing set tasks, it remembers your personal information and takes context into account while also allowing you to speak more naturally when seeking to get things done. The result is a more personalized assistant that delivers better outcomes and learns from your behavior in order to make more relevant suggestions. Read on to discover what it's capable of doing and why it's an exciting development. This article was correct as of March 2025. AI tools are updated regularly and it is possible that some features have changed since this article was written. Some features may also only be available in certain countries. The virtual assistant, Alexa, was announced alongside Amazon's debut Echo device in November 2014 and it has allowed users to perform all manner of tasks from discovering the latest weather forecasts to finding facts from trusted sources. Accessed by simply uttering, "Alexa", it has proven to be a popular conduit for the playing of songs and podcasts and, thanks to a wide range of skills, many of which have been added by third-party developers, it has been possible to significantly widen the scope of the service. Alexa+ takes the assistant to the next level using models from Anthropic, which makes both Claude and Amazon's generative foundation model Nova. Allowing you to adopt a more conversational tone when communicating with the assistant, Alexa+ is better at understanding what you're asking of it. Since it keeps track of your activities (from what you're buying and how you pay to what you're listening to and watching), it's also proactive, capable of figuring out what you may want and when. Alexa+ can be used in the same way as Alexa today. You can ask questions, get it to play songs from a service such as Amazon Music, Spotify or Apple Music, react to purchase recommendations by Amazon and manage your smart home among many other things. But it's the way that it carries out those tasks that differentiates the new from the old. One of the most frustrating things about Alexa is often having to repeat a request, either because it hasn't understood what you're trying to say or has misunderstood it and delivered something wildly different to what you expected. Alexa+ is better at understanding you and one of the reasons for that is because you can feed it information which it will retain. You can tell it what you like and don't like, share facts and key dates such as birthdays and the types of food you enjoy. You can also share photos, messages, emails, documents and calendar events, and get Alexa+ to draw upon the information for use in its responses and suggestions. Alexa+ is primarily driven towards being an assistant so it's good at keeping you organized, helping to make sense of information and carrying out tasks (it will go as far as suggesting recipes, organizing a food delivery or making a restaurant appointment for you). It also ties in with smart home devices such as Amazon's Ring and Fire TV. So while it will deliver personalized news summaries, remind you of events, manage your calendar, summarize emails and documents, create and send emails and texts and help entertain you, it won't be an effective work buddy, generating reports and creating spreadsheets and the like. It won't create code either. And since it relies on cloud-based processing, it won't be an effective service if you want to operate it offline. Alexa+ costs $19.99 and the reason we're not providing the price for the UK and Australia here is because it's currently US-only. If you like in America, though, and like the idea of using Alexa+, you should consider a Prime subscription at $14.99 a month (or $139 annually) instead. This gives you Alexa+ for "free" alongside all of the other benefits of Prime. You can also get Alexa+ as part of the Kids Plus package for $5.99 a month, again only in the US. Early access is being restricted to the Echo Show 8, 10, 15 or 21 but Alexa+ will become available on all Alexa devices except the Echo Dot 1st Gen, Echo 1st Gen, Echo Plus 1st Gen, Echo Tap, Echo Show 1st Gen, Echo Show 2nd Gen, and Echo Spot 1st Gen. Alexa+ will also be available in a new mobile app for iOS and Android as well as at Alexa.com. We haven't reviewed Alexa+ in full but the Alexa+ demo showed its power and TechRadar's Senior Editor for AI, Graham Barlow, said it looked a lot more fun to talk to than ChatGPT or Siri. It has much more of a personality than its rivals shown by its penchant for making jokes and throwing in funny comments which, Graham said, was evidence that "Amazon may have just found a niche". But more than that, it can carry out tasks well. And since it offers powerful AI integration in the home - if, that is, you primarily stick with Amazon products such as Ring - Graham reckons "it's looking like Amazon is going to own the AI in your home". You should use Alexa+ if you already have an Echo device, an Amazon Prime subscription and live in the US - you may as well because it's free and you've nothing to lose. It's also useful if you're looking for a conversational AI assistant that is capable of learning your habits and using such data to deliver relevant responses and suggestions. And it's great if you have an Amazon-focussed smart home or just want to better organize your life. Don't use Alexa+ if you're worried about sharing personal information with a generative AI assistant - to get the most out of it, that's what you'll need to do. And go elsewhere if you want a virtual work colleague capable of knocking out a report or some amazing C++ code. Avoid if you don't want to get sucked further into Amazon's ecosystem, too. ChatGPT can also be used to hold conversations and better organize your life with the bonus of being capable of producing reports and code. Siri is having a hard time at the moment but it's a natural go-to if you use an Apple device. Claude powers Alexa+ via Amazon Bedrock so why not go direct and see what it's capable of doing.

What Alexa's AI upgrade means for Amazon's business and Alexa users

For many years, Amazon has been trying to put its Alexa voice assistant at the center of the smart home. But right now, Alexa in its current state can seem downright dumb at times. And for anyone who has used voice interaction mode in popular generative AI chatbots, the obvious question has become, why the heck can't Alexa talk to me like ChatGPT does? But now it will -- or at least that's what Amazon is promising. Amazon's Alexa+ is an upgraded version of its AI-powered assistant, promising more natural conversations, improved context awareness across smart devices, and more seamless and proactive integration into daily routines. Alexa+ is rolling out in the next few weeks, starting on newer Echo devices. This week on the GeekWire Podcast: Michael Levin and Josh Lowitz of Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) discuss the Alexa and Echo business, and what the Alexa+ service means for the company and Alexa users. CIRP studies consumer behavior to provide insights for investors and industry leaders. Some of the new capabilities with Alexa+:

Alexa+ -- I have 4 big questions about Amazon's new AI assistant

Last week, Amazon announced Alexa+, its new-and-improved voice assistant that will reside in millions of smart speakers around the world. This new Alexa will be able to do everything from create shopping lists to ordering you an Uber to scanning your kid's school calendar and automatically sending you reminders. Alexa+ is due to roll out in a few weeks, at which point we're going to put it through its paces to see just how well it works. Having attended Amazon's event, there were a few things that impressed me about Alexa+. But before it launches, I have three big questions that will go a long way to deciding how successful it will be. Alexa as we know it has been around for nearly 11 years, and while it's probably the most-used voice assistant, it's not used for a lot. One of the chief failings with the original Alexa (and Siri and Google Assistant) is that you have to use pretty specific language, or else you get an error along the lines of "sorry, I didn't understand that." Even when you are clear, there are plenty of times when Alexa simply doesn't hear you correctly. As a result, Alexa is mostly used for things like setting timers in the kitchen, playing music or turning on your smart lights. And that's the way it's been for several years now. So, the millions of people who have Alexa in their homes now could potentially have to re-learn how to use what in their minds is a pretty limited assistant. And, the fact that Alexa+ is in theory capable of doing so much, it's hard to convey that in simple terms. One possibility is for Amazon to use Alexa suggestions -- you know, when it says "by the way, did you know I can also do..." but if you're like me, you've turned off that feature, because I never needed or wanted it to do those things. If Amazon does Alexa+ right, you will be able to do all sorts of things via simple commands using natural language. And the redesigned Alexa app and new software for compatible Alexa Show devices will guide you along. At launch, Alexa+ will only work on the Echo Show 8, Echo Show 10, Echo Show 15, and Echo Show 21, as many of its new abilities require the use of a screen to, say, show your grocery list or a list of available Uber rides. But, as popular as they are, Amazon's smart displays are just a small portion of all of the other non-screen Alexa smart speakers. I can't imagine how many Echo Dots there are in existence. So, until Amazon figures out how to convey that visual information into something that's easily digestible when spoken, Alexa+ is going to be unavailable for the majority of people who own Alexa devices. When Alexa (and its line of smart speakers) initially launched, Amazon envisioned it as yet another vehicle through which people would buy things -- "Alexa, order me a TV" -- but that never really came to fruition, which is why the Alexa division has suffered huge financial losses over the years. Alexa+ looks to make that purchasing process more natural, and through a wider variety of products and services. Amazon reasons that if you can use more conversational language to ask for what you want, you're more likely to buy something through its voice assistant. And, because it's connected to third-party services such as Uber, Doordash, and OpenTable, you'll be able to use Alexa+ to order a wider variety of things than you would with Alexa 1.0. If I can say "Alexa, order me a pizza" and get options other than Dominos, I'll be impressed. I'm also really intrigued with the option to create price alerts. If Alexa+ could save me money by letting me know when something I really want -- or need -- goes on sale, then it might just pay for itself. However, I still have my doubts. One of the examples I saw during the Alexa+ demo was ordering a tennis racket. I can get all the product information in the world online for sporting goods, but there's no replacement for actually holding something in your hands. Then, there's the cost of Alexa+ itself: $19.99 a month. That's the same that Google is charging for Gemini Advanced. However, you can get Alexa+ for free if you're an Amazon Prime member. (Let's see how long it takes Amazon to raise the annual subscription.) But, if you sign up for Google One AI Premium ($19.99/month), you can get it integrated into Gmail, GDocs, as well as 2TB of Google Drive storage. Admittedly, Gemini has a different feature set than Alexa+ -- you can't order an Uber through Google's AI -- but it's built into things that a lot of use far more often. Until Alexa+ can really prove its worth, I don't know how many people will throw their cash at Amazon just to use its AI voice assistant. While I did get a chance to see Alexa+ in action at the launch event, it was in small, controlled settings. And, while Alexa+ is being pitched as the ultimate daily assistant in your home, Amazon will have to convince people to use it on their phones, where Apple and Google have already established their AI presences. The real test will come when Alexa+ is released for everyone, who will undoubtedly try and use it in ways that Amazon never expected. Or worse -- people won't use it at all.

Amazon Unveils Alexa+ : New Alexa AI Smart Assistant Upgrade

Amazon has unveiled Alexa+, its next-generation virtual assistant powered by generative AI, designed to transform how you interact with technology in your daily life. By offering more natural conversations, personalized interactions, and expanded functionality, Alexa+ aims to set a new benchmark in the competitive smart assistant market. With advanced AI models, real-time data processing, and robust privacy protections, it seeks to deliver a seamless and secure user experience. At its core, Alexa+ is designed to feel less like a gadget and more like a helpful companion. By integrating innovative generative AI, Amazon claims it can handle complex, conversational interactions and offer personalized suggestions tailored to your unique needs. Whether it's managing your smart home, planning your day, or simply finding the best route to work, Alexa+ aims to make life easier and more seamless. But as exciting as it sounds, it also raises questions: Can it truly deliver on its promises? And what does this mean for privacy and trust in AI? The Nerdy Novelist explores what this next-generation assistant has to offer. Generative AI forms the backbone of Alexa+, allowing it to engage in nuanced and context-aware conversations. Unlike its predecessors, Alexa+ can interpret colloquial language, handle multi-layered requests, and provide detailed, tailored responses. For example, if you ask, "What's the best route to avoid traffic and grab coffee on the way to work?" it can analyze traffic conditions, identify nearby coffee shops, and factor in your preferences to deliver a precise solution. This conversational sophistication is powered by the collaboration between Amazon's Nova and Anthropic's Claude AI models. Nova specializes in conversational tasks, while Claude excels in generating detailed, context-specific responses. Together, they ensure Alexa+ can handle diverse tasks with remarkable accuracy, making it a more intuitive and capable assistant. Alexa+ extends beyond conversational capabilities to serve as a comprehensive smart home hub. It can manage connected devices, automate routines, and provide personalized recommendations to enhance your daily life. For instance, it might suggest energy-saving tips based on your thermostat usage or recommend recipes using ingredients already in your fridge. Its seamless integration with platforms such as Spotify, Netflix, and Uber, combined with compatibility with smart devices like Philips Hue, ensures a cohesive and intuitive smart home experience. Alexa+ also supports advanced automation, allowing you to set up routines that adjust lighting, temperature, and even play your favorite music based on your schedule or preferences. These features aim to simplify your life while offering a more personalized and efficient way to manage your home. Here are additional guides from our expansive article library that you may find useful on Generative AI. The technical foundation of Alexa+ lies in its innovative "group of experts" architecture, where multiple AI models collaborate to deliver specialized outputs. Each user request is routed to the most suitable model, making sure a balance of speed, accuracy, and context. For example, Nova handles conversational tasks, while Claude AI focuses on generating detailed, context-aware responses. This division of labor allows Alexa+ to excel in both general and complex interactions. To further enhance reliability, Alexa+ sources real-time information from verified outlets, reducing the risk of inaccuracies or hallucinations. This ensures that responses are not only timely but also trustworthy. By using this collaborative AI framework, Alexa+ delivers a more refined and dependable user experience. Amazon has placed a strong emphasis on privacy and security with Alexa+, addressing growing concerns about data protection. You have full control over your data through the Alexa Privacy Dashboard, where you can review, manage, and delete voice recordings. Additionally, Alexa+ operates on Amazon's secure AWS cloud infrastructure, making sure that your interactions are protected from unauthorized access. These measures are designed to build trust and reassure users that their data remains private and secure. By prioritizing transparency and robust security protocols, Amazon aims to address user concerns and set a higher standard for privacy in the smart assistant market. Alexa+ is available for $19.99 per month, with Amazon Prime members enjoying free access at no additional cost. Currently, the service is in an early access phase in the U.S., with compatibility prioritized for select Echo devices. This phased rollout allows Amazon to gather user feedback and refine features before expanding availability to a broader audience. By making Alexa+ accessible to Prime members, Amazon is encouraging widespread adoption and making sure that the service reaches a diverse user base. Alexa+ has the potential to accelerate the adoption of generative AI by seamlessly integrating it into your daily routines. Its proactive features, such as reminding you of appointments, suggesting time-saving routines, or offering personalized recommendations, aim to redefine how you interact with technology. By addressing gaps left by competitors like Apple's Siri and Google Assistant, Alexa+ positions itself as a leader in the smart assistant landscape. If successful, Alexa+ could influence the broader adoption of AI-powered solutions, driving competition and innovation in the industry. Its ability to deliver on its promises will determine its impact on both individual users and the future of smart assistant technology. Despite its promise, Alexa+ faces several challenges. Its ability to deliver seamless integration and proactive features at scale remains untested. Additionally, concerns about data security and user trust in large tech companies persist. Amazon will need to demonstrate that its privacy measures are robust and transparent enough to address these concerns effectively. Moreover, the competitive landscape presents its own hurdles. With established players like Google and Apple continuously improving their smart assistants, Alexa+ must consistently innovate to maintain its edge. By addressing these challenges head-on, Amazon can solidify Alexa+ as a trusted and indispensable tool in your daily life. Alexa+ represents a significant advancement in smart assistant technology, combining generative AI with advanced personalization and stringent security measures. Its ability to integrate seamlessly into your daily routines while addressing privacy concerns positions it as a fantastic tool in the smart assistant market. If it fulfills its potential, Alexa+ could not only enhance your daily life but also drive innovation and competition in the industry, shaping the future of AI-powered solutions for years to come.