Amazon's New Alexa+ is Here to Organize Your Life (For a Price)

Amazon is pushing Alexa into the future with Alexa+, an updated assistant powered by generative AI. The goal? To make Alexa feel more like a real person, capable of managing your devices and streamlining your daily life.

The U.S. launch of Alexa+ is rolling out over the next few weeks, starting with the Echo Show 8, 10, 15, and 21 devices. This new version of Alexa is designed to engage in deeper conversations, understand everyday language, and process complex ideas. Imagine actually having a coherent conversation with your smart speaker – progress!

New features include the ability to make reservations, discover new music, and shop for almost anything online. Forget endless scrolling; just ask Alexa.

Upon launch, users can access Alexa+ through a new mobile app, available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Amazon is also introducing a browser-based option at Alexa.com, allowing users to seamlessly switch between their car and computers, picking up conversations right where they left off.

The list of devices and apps compatible with Alexa+ is extensive. Users can control their smart home devices, like smart lights from Philips Hue or robot vacuums from Roborock, and explore music on Amazon Music and other streaming services.

Alexa+ also enhances home security by connecting to Ring cameras and Ring doorbells. The improved Alexa will alert you if someone approaches your home. Peace of mind, delivered by AI.

Amazon highlights that the new personalized features will appeal to various users, including home chefs. Users can order from Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market simply by asking Alexa. They can even input family recipes and dietary preferences, enabling Alexa+ to assist with shopping lists, recipe creation, and restaurant recommendations. So, basically, it's becoming your mom.

The price for all this convenience? Alexa+ will cost $19.99 per month for non-Prime members. However, all Amazon Prime members will receive Alexa+ for free with their membership. Yet another reason to stay loyal to Bezos, I guess.

Amazon offers a wide array of products that will likely connect to Alexa+. Create your own personalized smart home with these other Amazon products.

An Amazon Fire Tablet provides access to all the apps you need. Watch shows, stream music, get work done, and more. With Alexa built-in, you can ask questions and get help with tasks.

Your music will sound incredible with the Amazon Echo Studio. It features five built-in speakers that produce powerful bass and clear, crisp music. Simply ask Echo Studio to play music from your favorite streaming apps, including Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, Tidal, and more.

The Amazon Echo Studio adapts to any room, automatically sensing the acoustics and fine-tuning its sound for an immersive experience.

An Amazon Fire TV offers 43 inches of clear, 4K media. With Alexa built-in, you can find, launch, and control your content, check the weather, get sports scores, and more.

Control all your Amazon entertainment devices with an Amazon Fire TV Cube. Connect and navigate between your TV, game console, or webcam. The hands-free Alexa allows you to control the box and your other Amazon devices with just your voice.

Designed for reading, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is an ultra-thin Kindle without distracting apps. The Paperwhite is Amazon’s fastest Kindle yet, with a higher contrast display than previous editions.