There's a new Alexa in town – or at least in early access. Alexa+ is an upgrade from the standard Alexa voice assistant, powered by generative AI. The updated assistant comes with quite a few new features, but the main pull of Alexa+ is that conversations with it can have a more natural flow. According to Amazon, "Alexa+ is more conversational, smarter, personalized – and she helps you get things done."
Alexa+ is currently in Early Access, but only on a select few Echo Show devices – the Echo Show 8, 10, 15, and 21. If you have or buy one of these devices, you can be among the first to experience it. Head to the link below to sign up for notifications about when Early Access will be available. After the Early Access period, Alexa+ will be available as a free Prime benefit or for $19.99/month to non-Prime members.
Alexa+ Early Access
Amazon Echo Show 8
$149.99 at Amazon
Amazon Echo Show 10
$249.99 at Amazon
Amazon Echo Show 15
$299.99 at Amazon
Amazon Echo Show 21
$399.99 at Amazon
Since Alexa+ takes a more conversational approach, you can ask it anything that comes to mind. It'll help you with a variety of tasks like completing your to-do list, finding specific details from your calendar, booking at a restaurant, and more. Amazon's Alexa+ Early Access page also notes that there are "new features being added regularly," so more details about the upgraded voice assistant are sure to come after the Early Access period.
Unfortunately, not every device is compatible with Alexa+. Amazon notes that certain older generation Echo devices - such as the Echo Dot 1st Gen, Echo 1st Gen, Echo Plus 1st Gen, Amazon Tap, Echo Show 1st Gen, Echo Show 2nd Gen, and Echo Spot 1st Gen - will continue to use the old Alexa. The company says on the Alexa+ Early Access page that, "We will soon expand Alexa+ to more devices, including Fire TV and Fire tablets, and Alexa.com."
