Amazon’s Alexa+ AI, designed to offer more human-like interactions and helpful responses, has been in early access for months. Recently, Amazon rolled out Alexa+ to Prime members without prior notice, sparking interest in its capabilities. After months of testing, I found Alexa+ to be a significant upgrade, offering features that could make investing in an Amazon smart home device worthwhile.
Alexa+ is available on Amazon’s latest Echo devices, such as the Echo Dot Max, Echo Studio, Echo Show 8, and Echo Show 11. For those with older devices, Amazon may have automatically upgraded your system. If not, you can request access via the Alexa+ store page or through your Echo device. Once activated, Alexa+ guides users through a setup process to personalize their experience, including voice selection from four masculine and four feminine options.
Key Features of Alexa+
Amazon’s push towards “ambient AI” is evident in Alexa+, which integrates seamlessly into various devices, providing a smarter, more conversational assistant. While not revolutionary, Alexa+ combines numerous functions into a ubiquitous service that enhances daily life.
1. Enhanced Querying
Alexa+ excels in providing information. With an Echo Dot on my desk, I frequently query it while working or watching media. Its voice recognition surpasses that of Google or Apple’s assistants, allowing for seamless interaction without disrupting workflow. Alexa+ maintains a conversational flow better than its competitors, making it a reliable source of information.
2. Contextual Reminders
Beyond standard alarms, Alexa+ offers recurring notifications tailored to specific contexts. For instance, I set a reminder for the Ryder Cup that repeated every two hours until acknowledged. Users can also import calendar reminders or create new ones based on emails, with the option to generate a color-coded family calendar.
3. Playlist Creation
Alexa+ can curate playlists based on user preferences. By providing song titles or themes, users can enjoy personalized music experiences. I requested a Fall-themed playlist and was pleased with the results, despite a few unexpected song choices.
4. News Briefings
With partnerships from over 200 outlets, Alexa+ delivers customized news briefings. Users can tailor their Daily Briefing to include political headlines, sports results, and entertainment news, ensuring they stay informed on topics of interest.
5. Enhanced Memory
Alexa+ remembers past interactions, improving the relevance of current conversations. It recalled my feedback on a restaurant during a discussion about local dining options and can remember family dietary preferences or recipes.
6. Improved Recommendations
Fire TV integration allows Alexa+ to provide personalized movie recommendations, learning user tastes over time. It can also suggest content for specific scenarios and is aware of live events, such as sports scores.
7. Wellness Integration
Amazon aims to expand its wellness offerings through Alexa+. The AI can suggest workouts or remind users to wind down. Future partnerships with Wyze and Withings will enhance these capabilities with smart home and medical-grade devices.
Additional Upgrades to Explore
Alexa.com on the Web
Launched during CES 2026, Alexa+ for the web offers a chatbot-like interface for controlling smart home devices and accessing AI capabilities directly from a browser. This feature brings “the full power of Alexa+ right to your browser,” according to Amazon.
Omnisense Technology
The latest Echo devices and Fire TVs feature Omnisense sensors, which use Wi-Fi radar and ultrasound to detect user presence. This technology offers contextual updates and content suggestions, such as adjusting room temperature or lighting based on user activity.
Alexa+ Store
The Alexa+ Store expands Amazon’s digital marketplace by integrating services like DoorDash, TaskRabbit, and Uber. Users can shop, book reservations, or purchase tickets directly through Alexa+.
Is a New Echo or Fire TV Necessary?
Whether to upgrade to a new Amazon device depends on individual needs. While the Omnisense functionality is intriguing, my current Echo Dot suffices for my smart speaker and “ambient AI” requirements. However, for those building a smart home network with Ring or Blink cameras, a new display device could serve as a compelling hub.
In conclusion, Alexa+ offers a suite of features that enhance the smart home experience, making it a worthwhile consideration for those invested in Amazon’s ecosystem. As Amazon continues to innovate, Alexa+ may become an indispensable tool for managing daily life.
