Amazon announces next-gen AI-powered Alexa+

Amazon has announced Alexa+, a new amped-up version of Alexa based on cutting-edge large language models with vast capabilities that redefine the way we interact with digital assistants.

Alexa+ will roll out in the US in the next few weeks. The monthly fee is $19.99, but Amazon Prime members can access it at no cost. 

Amazon says Alexa+ is way smarter. The conversations feel natural and intuitive and turn talks into action, courtesy of the LLM integration. 

Alexa+ also has agentic capabilities, which enables it to browse through the internet to complete tasks on your behalf. 

In addition to managing your home, Alexa+ is more personalized. It delivers a more intuitive experience and understands what the user says regardless of phrasing. 

Alexa+ also has integration with various services like Spotify, Apple Music, and smart home devices. 

Overall, Alexa+ basically does everything the current version of Alexa does and is capable of, but better. 

For example, Amazon says you can ask Alexa+ to play music and discuss your favorite artists with it. 

The same goes for movies and TV shows, like asking questions about the characters, episodes, and even soundtracks. 

Essentially, Alexa+ works more like other chatbots, such as ChatGPT, and is capable of answering complex questions. 

Amazon also has a list of 50 things that it wants you to try with Alexa+

Amazon has 50 recommendations that it wants you to try out with the new and improved Alexa+; some of those recommendations are below 

• Have in-depth conversations, explore any topics, and get real-time news
• Ask Alexa+ to remember important details for you, like a frequent flyer number, recipes, and more. 
• Alexa+ can also remember important details about the user, like dietary restrictions, and make personalized recommendations. 
• Ask Alexa+ to remember details about important documents, such as emails, manuals, photos, notes, and more. 
• Get timely notifications about important things with Alexa+
• Manage calendars and emails with Alexa+
• Ask Alexa+ for personalized recommendations for any books, movies, TV shows, songs, and more. 
• Manage smart home intuitively
• Get real-world things done, like making a grocery list, ordering the things on the list, looking out for the best deals on upcoming purchases, ordering food, rides, and even dinner reservations. 
• Generate images
• Entertain kids with Alexa+

Alexa+ will be rolling out in the US in the coming weeks. Amazon Prime subscribers will get free access to Alexa+, while non-subscribers will have to pay $19.99 per month. 

Alexa+ early access will roll out in late March for eligible Amazon Echo Show 8, 10, 15, or 21 customers.

Are you looking forward to using the new Alexa+? Or do you prefer Alexa as it is right now? Tell us your thoughts below in the comments, or reach us via our Twitter or Facebook.