Amazon introduces Alexa+, a revitalized version of its digital assistant powered by AI.

      Amazon is moving forward into a new era of digital assistants with Alexa+, an advanced version of Alexa that utilizes generative AI technology. It boasts improved conversational abilities with natural language processing, a variety of skills, and the capability to convert voice commands into routines, among other enhancements.

      The AI enhancements for Alexa+ are based on Amazon Nova and Anthropic Claude AI models. Amazon states that the next-gen assistant will not only make interactions more natural but also more fulfilling, such as remembering users’ preferences and favorites.

      With a memory system akin to the recently updated Google Gemini, Alexa+ can recall user details when necessary. This allows seamless conversation flow from an Echo speaker to a mobile phone and even to a connected interface in the car, thanks to its contextual awareness and memory features.

      How can I access Alexa+?

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      Alexa+ will be available for free to Prime subscribers and will start to be rolled out in the US as part of an early access program beginning next month. Users will be able to access Alexa+ through a new mobile app for both Android and iOS devices. You can sign up for early access here.

      Additionally, Amazon will launch a web client at Alexa.com that offers browser access. For those without a Prime subscription, the cost for access to Alexa+ will be $19.99.

      Regarding hardware compatibility, access will be limited to the Echo Show series (8, 10, 15, and 21-inch models). Once you obtain any of these devices, Alexa+ will be accessible on all your Echo devices, with a few exceptions listed below:

      - 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

      What’s new with the Alexa+ assistant?

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      “The more you use Alexa+, the better your experience will get,” according to Amazon. A significant improvement for the next-gen assistant is its ability to perform tasks across various platforms seamlessly, including GrubHub, Yelp, Amazon, Apple Music, Netflix, and more.

      For instance, you can instruct the assistant to make a restaurant reservation and also text a friend about it. These capabilities enable Alexa+ to handle tasks on different websites on behalf of users.

      This approach echoes OpenAI's plans with its Operator tool, albeit at a considerably higher price than what Amazon is charging non-Prime customers for Alexa+.

      Alexa+ can fill in details across third-party services, authenticate user identities, and complete tasks efficiently. It can order groceries, play music from various platforms, schedule appointments, monitor ticket sales, and provide updates on Ring Camera activity throughout the day.

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      You can ask it to find a plumber, and it will perform a web search and schedule the visit. Alexa+ can book an Uber, track deals, find tickets, assist with travel arrangements, and much more through API integrations with partner services.

      The company is also infusing more AI chatbot characteristics into Alexa+, enabling it to fetch real-time information from trustworthy sources like Reuters, Associated Press, and The Washington Post. Additionally, it can generate images from text/voice prompts and even create music, thanks to a partnership with Suno.

      Following the lead of Google Gemini and the forthcoming app intent system for Apple’s Siri, Alexa+ will convert voice commands into actions and routines. For instance, users can simply command it to automate the control of specific devices without going through a complicated app setup.

      A companion for everyone, and everything

      “Alexa+ is designed to take action and can orchestrate across tens of thousands of services and devices— an unprecedented capability,” claims Amazon. In terms of smart home control, Alexa+ is adding significant new features.

      For instance, users can direct it to prepare the TV in the lobby to play a specific show while they are en route. It can utilize live footage from a Ring camera to determine if a package has arrived and switch music playback to any designated speaker in the house.

      Amazon is promoting Alexa+ as a smarter companion for all household members. Its underlying large language model and collaborations with content partners enable it to provide solutions much like ChatGPT or Gemini.

      “You can share documents, emails, photos, and messages with her—via a desktop browser, mobile app, or email—for Alexa to remember, summarize, or act upon,” adds Amazon. Alexa is also gaining capabilities to comprehend files, enhancing its competition with Google and OpenAI products.

      Users can upload a picture of a ticket and have Alexa+ extract the necessary details to add it to their calendar. It can also convert educational material into interactive quizzes for children.

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      Moreover, it can summarize a user’s schedule by accessing calendar entries. The new Alexa+ Daily Briefings feature provides a concise overview of trending events, while the For You widget alerts users to upcoming notifications and commitments.

      Similar to Google's smart compose or Apple Intelligence's Writing Tools, Alexa+ can generate