Amazon is rolling out Alexa Plus, a generative AI-powered voice assistant, in an early access preview. Users with Echo Show 8, 10, 15, or 21 smart displays will be able to use the upgraded assistant across their compatible Echo devices, as well as on Fire TV, Fire tablets, Alexa.com, and the Alexa app. However, first-generation Echo devices and Alexa-enabled third-party devices like Sonos speakers and Ecobee thermostats won’t support the upgrade at launch, though Amazon suggests future compatibility could be possible.
To access Alexa Plus, eligible users in the U.S. must sign up on Amazon’s Alexa Plus landing page. Once approved, they’ll receive email notifications and device alerts, allowing them to opt into the new experience. Initially free during early access, Alexa Plus will later require a $19.99 monthly subscription or an Amazon Prime membership.
Unlike its predecessor, Alexa Plus offers a more conversational, intuitive experience. The AI-driven assistant understands natural language, remembers user preferences, detects emotions, and enables back-and-forth interactions without requiring users to say “Alexa” repeatedly. It can process multiple commands simultaneously, such as adjusting home settings, playing music, and managing schedules in a single request. It also introduces advanced features like booking restaurant reservations and scanning event schedules via the Alexa app.
For now, users can still stick with the original Alexa. However, Amazon’s focus is shifting toward the AI-enhanced version, and not all existing Alexa skills will transition to Alexa Plus. Those who rely on specific skills may prefer to keep using the older version until full compatibility is ensured.
