Introduction of Alexa Plus
The enhanced version of the Alexa voice assistant, Alexa Plus, is set to launch in the upcoming weeks through an early access preview. The exciting news is that anyone with an Echo Show 8, 10, 15, or 21 smart display will be able to access the generative-AI powered features of Alexa across all compatible Echo devices they own. It will also function on Fire TV devices, Fire tablets, the web at Alexa.com, and within the Alexa app.
Device Compatibility
Unfortunately, several Echo devices will not support this new upgrade. Older models, such as the first-gen Echo Dot, Echo, and Echo Show, will miss out. Additionally, Alexa Plus will not work on built-in Alexa devices like Sonos speakers or the Ecobee smart thermostat at its launch, though support may be added later. However, Amazon spokesperson Lauren Raemhild confirmed to The Verge that users can continue utilizing the original Alexa on these devices.
How to Access Alexa Plus
The initial access to Alexa Plus will be exclusive to U.S. users who own one of the eligible Show devices. To gain access, visit Amazon’s new Alexa Plus landing page, click on the “Alexa+ is coming soon” link, and log in to your Amazon account. Raemhild noted that users would receive an email and notifications on their Echo devices once access is granted, allowing them to opt into the new functionality.
Cost and Subscription Details
During the early access phase, Alexa Plus will be available for free, but it will eventually require a monthly subscription fee of $19.99 or an Amazon Prime membership.
Features of Alexa Plus
Alexa Plus represents a complete overhaul of the traditional voice assistant, leveraging generative AI capabilities. This new version will comprehend and respond to natural language, recognize user preferences, react to voice emotions, and maintain a more interactive conversation without needing to say “Alexa” each time. For instance, users can express feelings like “I’m cold, and it’s too dark” to have the assistant turn on lights and adjust the temperature simultaneously, a task that would have required multiple specific commands previously.
Future of Original Alexa
For those who prefer the original voice assistant, it will still be available for the time being. Amazon’s Panos Panay assured The Verge that the original Alexa will continue to receive updates, though the company’s main focus will shift to the newer version. Users with older, non-compatible devices can keep using the original Alexa, but if they choose to sign up for Alexa Plus, they might miss out on certain favorite skills as not all features will transition to the new platform initial rollout.
Concerns About Skill Transition
As reported by Janko Roettgers, when Alexa Plus launches, it will lack many of the 160,000 skills currently accessible on the original Alexa. Amazon claims that most heavily used skills will be available with Alexa+, but some will not. If a user finds a favorite skill absent, they can inform Amazon for potentially enabling it on Alexa+. Developers can also request their skills be transitioned to the new platform or create new ones tailored for the assistant. That said, there is concern among developers about the transition due to a lack of clear guidelines from Amazon regarding skill transfers.
