Amazon has just unveiled Alexa+, an advanced AI-powered version of its voice assistant, designed to enhance user interactions and streamline daily tasks. Alexa+ offers a more conversational experience and integrates seamlessly with various services and smart home devices.
This new supercharged voice assistant is free for Prime members or available for $19.99 per month. It will be released in waves starting in early March.
GET NOTIFIED WHEN ALEXA+ IS AVAILABLE FOR YOU
Pros:
- Enhanced Conversational Abilities: Alexa+ can engage in natural, flowing conversations, making interactions feel more human-like.
- Expanded Functionality: Alexa+ will be able to handle multi-step tasks like booking reservations, ordering groceries, and even checking cameras to see if you’ve walked the dogs yet. They are revamping the Alexa website and mobile app too so there will be more ways to interact with and customize Alexa.
- Ask Alexa to read a study guide and quiz you on test questions.
- Ask Alexa about concert ticket availability
- Ask Alexas to tell you about local businesses (it will reference Yelp).
- Ask Alexa to research a trip or create an itinerary for a trip.
- Ask Alexa to read your HOA rules and let you know if there are any rules against whatever home improvement you have on your mind.
- Improved Smart Home Integration: Alexa+ offers better interoperability with smart home products, allowing for more seamless control of connected devices.
- Personalized Experience: The assistant remembers user preferences and can provide tailored recommendations and reminders.
Cons:
- Privacy Concerns: As with any AI assistant, there are potential privacy implications regarding data collection and usage. The more you share, the more functionality she’ll have – and it sounds like you’ll be able to connect it to a lot of apps we use daily like email, GrubHub, etc.
- Device Compatibility: While Alexa+ is compatible with most Echo devices, it will not work on older devices: Echo Dot 1st Gen, Echo 1st Gen, Echo Plus 1st Gen, Echo Tap , and Echo Spot 1st Gen. Fear not though, those devices will still work like normal – they just won’t get the upgraded Alexa.
- Availability: Alexa+ will be released in waves in the U.S. starting in early March, with plans for broader international release in the future. It will be released first to those who own current Echo generation devices. It also will not be available for 3rd party devices like Bose speakers, at least not for a while.
- Subscription Cost: We never thought we’d see voice assistants get a price tag. It is free for Prime members, but it’s priced at $19.99 per month for all others. That’s likely just a way to add “value” to Prime though.
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