Amazon unveils Alexa+, a smarter, more personalized assistant
Amazon is taking Alexa to the next level with the help of AI. Amazon just announced Alexa+, an updated assistant powered by generative AI. The idea is to make Alexa more human, so she can help you control all your devices and get more done.
The U.S. Alexa+ launch is set to happen over the next few weeks, and will start with the Echo Show 8, 10, 15, and 21 devices. The new Alexa+ acts more like a human personal assistant. It can have more in-depth conversations, understand colloquial expressions and think through complex ideas.
Other features include the ability to make reservations, explore new music and search for and buy virtually any item online.
When launched, customers can access Alexa+ in a new mobile app, available on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Amazon is also launching a new browser-based option at Alexa.com. Owners of Echo devices can start conversations with Alexa+ and seamlessly switch between their car and computers. The newest Alexa edition will be able to pick up conversations right where you left off.
The list of devices and apps Alexa+ will work with is long. Users will be able to control their smart home devices like smart lights from Philips Hue or robot vacuums from Roborock. Alexa+ can also control and help you explore music on Amazon Music and other music streaming services.
Alexa+ users can take their home security to the next level and connect it to their Ring cameras and Ring doorbell. The new, improved Alexa will warn you if someone is approaching your house.
Amazon explained in the official announcement that the new personalized features will appeal to a variety of people, including home chefs. For starters, users will be able to order from Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market by just asking Alexa. Users can even get more personal and tell Alexa+ family recipes and dietary preferences, so Alexa+ can help with the shopping list, recipe creation and finding the right restaurant.
Alexa+ costs $19.99 per month for non-Prime members. All Amazon Prime members will get Alexa+ for free with their membership.
Amazon has a huge range of products that will all likely connect to Alexa+. Create your own personalized smart home with these other Amazon products.
An Amazon Fire Tablet is a high-performing tablet that gives you all the apps you need at your fingertips. Watch shows, stream music, get work done and much more. The tablet has Alexa built in, so you can ask questions and ask Alexa to help you with tasks.
Your music will sound like it's coming from a concert speaker when you use the Amazon Echo Studio. It has five built-in speakers that produce a powerful bass and clear, crisp music. Just ask Echo Studio to play music from any of your favorite streaming apps, including Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, Tidal and more.
Amazon Echo Studio adapts to all the rooms in your house. It automatically senses the acoustics of the room and fine-tunes its sound, giving you the most immersive experience.
Original price: $369.99
An Amazon Fire TV gives 43-inches of clear, 4K media. Since it's an Amazon TV, Alexa comes built in. You can ask Alexa to find, launch and control your content. You can also ask Alexa to check the weather, tell you sports scores and more.
Control all your Amazon entertainment devices with an Amazon Fire TV Cube. You can connect and navigate between all your entertainment, including your TV, game console or webcam. The hands-free Alexa allows you to control the box, and your other Amazon devices, with just your voice.
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Built just for reading, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is an ultra-thin Kindle without the apps and distracting apps. The Paperwhite is Amazon's fastest Kindle yet, and the display has a higher contrast than previous editions.
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