Amazon unveils Alexa Plus – an AI leap for smart homes

Alexa Plus introduces a range of new functionalities, including the ability to perform tasks such as ordering groceries and sending event invitations. It also boasts enhanced personalization, memorizing user preferences related to diet, movies, and other personal details.  

Priced at $19.99 per month as a standalone subscription, Alexa Plus is offered free to Amazon Prime members, making it a compelling value proposition considering the Prime subscription’s cost. The service includes access to the Alexa website for “longform work” and a redesigned Alexa app. Alexa Plus will be compatible with “almost every” existing Alexa device, starting with the Echo Show 8, 10, 15, and 21. Early access, which will be free, is set to begin rolling out next month.  

The updated Alexa retains its familiar wake word, “Alexa,” but gains the ability to engage in continuous conversations. It also incorporates vision capabilities, allowing it to analyze images and provide contextual information. Amazon showcased various features, including concert ticket availability, local business information via Yelp integration, and dinner reservation booking. Alexa Plus can also act as a study guide, research trips, and create itineraries.  

Smart home control remains a core function, with Alexa Plus capable of managing cameras, lights, and creating automated routines. Music integration is enhanced, allowing users to find songs based on vague descriptions. Movie scene navigation is also available, albeit with some demonstrated hiccups.  

A key highlight of the demo was Alexa’s ability to process and utilize shared documents, including handwritten notes, recipes, and emails. This allows for complex tasks like analyzing housing association documents or extracting information from schedules. Alexa Plus can also proactively manage calendars and reminders based on natural language prompts.  

The user interface on Echo devices with displays has been revamped, featuring customizable widgets and a dedicated smart home control widget. A dynamic blue bar, dubbed “Alexicons,” provides visual feedback during interactions, adding a touch of personality.  

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Alexa Plus leverages a model-agnostic system, employing Amazon’s Nova model and models from partners like Anthropic, selecting the most appropriate model for each task. Data integration with partners like The Associated Press, Politico, and Reuters enables real-time information retrieval for finance, sports, and news.  

The assistant can also perform complex tasks like tracking ticket availability and making purchases. Integration with services like Uber Eats, Sonos, and Ticketmaster expands its capabilities. A partnership with AI song generator Suno allows for on-the-fly music creation.  

This launch follows Amazon’s initial announcement of an AI-powered Alexa in September 2023, which was met with internal challenges and executive changes. Now, Amazon enters a competitive market with Google Gemini, ChatGPT, and Apple’s Siri, but its smart speaker integration offers a unique advantage. The success of Alexa Plus hinges on Amazon’s ability to deliver a seamless and reliable experience.