Amazon Launches Alexa+ with Generative AI
My first interaction with Alexa felt like stepping into the future. Asking it to play “A Sky Full of Stars” and having it work seamlessly highlighted technology’s potential. Seeing the customer’s needs effortlessly met is the best use of technology, and the goal of every product developer. Today, with over 600 million Alexa devices worldwide, the latest advancements in generative AI have opened new doors. Amazon is excited to reveal Alexa+, its next-generation assistant, designed to enhance your daily life.
A Smarter, More Conversational Alexa
Alexa+ promises a more conversational, intelligent, and personalized experience tailored to individual users. It aims to simplify tasks, provide entertainment, assist with learning, keep you organized, summarize complex topics, and engage in open-ended conversations.
Alexa+ can manage and protect your home, handle reservations, and help you discover new music. It can also search for, find, or purchase items online, offering suggestions based on your interests. With Alexa+, all you have to do is ask.
Conversations with Alexa+ are designed to feel natural and expansive. Whether you’re expressing yourself with incomplete thoughts, using everyday language, or exploring complex ideas, Alexa+ is designed to understand the user. It is less like interacting with technology and more like engaging with a knowledgeable friend.
From Talk to Action
At the core of Alexa+’s architecture are powerful large language models (LLMs) available on Amazon Bedrock. It’s designed to take action by orchestrating tens of thousands of services and devices— a feat unprecedented at this scale.
To achieve this, Amazon created a concept called “experts”—groups of systems, capabilities, APIs, and instructions that accomplish specific types of tasks for customers. These experts enable Alexa+ to:
- Control smart home devices from brands like Philips Hue and Roborock.
- Make reservations or appointments via OpenTable and Vagaro.
- Explore discographies and play music from various music services.
- Order groceries and food delivery.
- Provide reminders for event tickets and alert you via Ring.
Alexa+ also introduces new agentic features, allowing Alexa to navigate the internet to complete tasks independently. For example, if you need to get your oven fixed, It can find and contact a repair service, arrange the service, and inform you when it is done, all without supervision.
Personalized Experiences
The new Alexa is highly personalized, learning from your behavior and providing opportunities for further customization. The assistant remembers your purchases, listening history, video viewing habits, shipping addresses, and payment preferences, and allows you to add information to further enhance its usefulness.
For example, you can tell Alexa about family recipes, personal preferences, or important dates. If you’re planning a family dinner, Alexa+ can remember that you love pizza, your daughter is vegetarian, and your partner is gluten-free—and suggest a recipe or a restaurant accordingly.
Proactive and Adaptable Assistance
Alexa+ aims to be available when needed, yet fade into the background when not required. It also offers proactive assistance, such as suggesting you leave early during heavy traffic or notifying you of sales on items.
Integration and Availability
Alexa+ is available everywhere you are. She can be accessed on Echo devices, in a new mobile app (available in the Apple App Store and Google Play store), and through a browser-based experience at Alexa.com.
Privacy and Security
Built with privacy and security at the forefront, Alexa+ uses the same approach as other Amazon products. Amazon aims to create something customers will appreciate while also designing it to protect their data. For example, the Alexa Privacy dashboard centralizes information such as your interactions with Alexa+ and various settings.
Pricing and Availability
Alexa+ will be available in the U.S. in the coming weeks, starting with an early access period. Owners of Echo Show 8, 10, 15, and 21 devices will have priority access. If you don’t own one of those devices, you might consider purchasing one now. If you want to be considered for early access, please visit www.amazon.com/newalexa.
Alexa+ costs $19.99 per month, but is free for all Prime members.
