Amazon unveils smarter Alexa+ with generative-AI features

Amazon’s Alexa+ launches next month with enhanced generative-AI features, offering a more conversational and personalised experience for users.

In Short

Amazon will launch Alexa+ next month, featuring generative-AI improvements for enhanced conversation and smart home integration. The upgrade will be available for Prime subscribers or for $19.99, but concerns about accuracy and competition persist as Amazon seeks to monetise the technology.

Amazon is set to launch an upgraded version of its voice assistant, Alexa+, next month.

This upgrade introduces generative-AI features aimed at making Alexa “smarter and more conversational,” and will be available on most existing Echo and Fire TV devices, as well as via a new Alexa.com website and updated phone app.

The new features will be included with Amazon Prime subscriptions, while non-subscribers can access the service for $19.99.

During a recent live event, Amazon showcased how the updated Alexa can understand natural language. For instance, users can ask specific questions about songs or request actions such as reserving a restaurant or booking repairs for appliances.

Additionally, Alexa+ will integrate with smart home devices and retain user preferences to make personalized recommendations. It will be able to sift through footage from Ring security cameras and handle tasks like document analysis.