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Amazon will roll out Alexa+ in the UK soon, enhancing your existing Amazon Echo speakers with a major AI upgrade.
Alexa+ is an optional boost to Amazon's chatty voice assistant, built on generative AI to handle more features than ever before, including more complex conversations, remembering context, and executing tough tasks without rigid commands. The enhanced system also allows follow-up questions without repeating "Alexa," and can link your other queries within the same conversation.
This represents a fundamental shift from the traditional command-and-response model to a more intuitive, conversational experience. But like so many other tech upgrades, Alexa+ comes at a cost. The new service has already started to roll out in the US, costing $20 (roughly £15 converted) a month as part of a new subscription system.
Amazon has been slower to embrace the generative AI boom than many of its rivals — despite owning one of the most widely-used Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistants, Alexa. The launch of ChatGPT in late 2022 kickstarted an arms race between the biggest technology companies, with Google racing to compete with its own Gemini assistant, a rebooted Siri for iPhone owners, and an overhauled Alexa.
"Alexa knows almost every instrument in your life, your schedule, your smart home, your preferences, the devices you're using, the people you're connected to, the entertainment you love and uses many of the apps you use, a lot of the services you need," said Panos Panay, Amazon's head of devices and services, at a launch event in New York.
Amazon devices chief Panos Panay confirmed that all new hardware announced by Amazon last month was built from the ground-up for its new Alexa+ assistant
| AMAZON PRESS OFFICEAlexa+ is able to digest and analyse documents too. You'll be able to upload lengthy documents and ask the AI to summarise key details from it, setting reminders or adding dates to calendars if needed.
Alexa+ is just one of many new products Amazon has in the works, too.
The US retailer unveiled its redesigned Amazon Echo lineup at a glitzy event in New York City, including the Echo Dot Max, Echo Studio, Echo Show 8, and Echo Show 11. In addition, they've also announced an affordable Fire TV Stick and new Smart TVs, and their most expensive Kindle ever.
Key features and capabilities
Despite the new monthly cost, Alexa+ is set to bring several notable improvements over its predecessor:
For starters, you'll no longer need to repeat the wake word "Alexa" for follow-up questions, making interactions feel more natural and fluid. The system also remembers personal preferences and past context, allowing it to provide more relevant responses over time as it learns more about you and your inquiries. For instance, on devices like the Echo Show, Alexa Plus may recognise who's speaking and personalise responses accordingly.
According to Amazon, Alexa Plus will work across "almost all" of the existing Alexa-compatible gadgets in the world, including Fire TV, Amazon Echo, and Echo Show, to name just a few | REUTERS Alexa+ integrates with external services and apps, including Uber, OpenTable, and Ticketmaster for booking, ordering, and more, expanding its utility beyond simple queries.
In one example, Alexa+ was able to locate a local restaurant, book a table, add it to the family calendar, and then follow up with a text to a babysitter about the plans. All of this happens off the back of a single spoken command.
Upgrade to the latest Amazon Echo Show to use Alexa+
Upgrade to something new with the Echo Show 8 to enjoy Alex Plus when it's released. The Echo Show 8 is a smart display from Amazon that combines a touchscreen with Alexa voice control. It allows video calls, streaming, smart home management, and entertainment. With an 8-inch HD screen, it offers clear visuals, adaptive brightness, and privacy features, making it a versatile hub for home convenience
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Amazon Echo Show 8
$149.99
$89.99
When it comes to your household, the assistant offers smarter smart-home control, understanding commands like "dim the lights" without requiring users to specify which bulbs.
You can customise your voice, too. With the update, you can choose from eight adult voices and additional options. When it recognises your voice, it will tailor responses directly to you instead of another member of the household.
If you're eager to start using the new service, you may need to hold tight for just a bit longer. Alexa+ is currently in early access or preview mode in the U.S. for a set number of users. The rollout is gradual, and some promised features are not yet live.
The UK is expected to see Alexa+ later this year, with no confirmed date quite yet.
Amazon Prime is a subscription service offered by Amazon that provides a variety of benefits to its members. It’s designed to enhance the shopping, entertainment, and convenience experience on Amazon
| GETTYPricing: What you'll pay
Amazon has structured Alexa+ pricing around its current Prime membership plans:
- Prime Members: Alexa+ is intended to be free for Amazon Prime members, included as part of the Prime membership. This represents significant value for existing subscribers
- For Non-Prime Users: Amazon plans to charge a subscription fee of $19.99 per month (roughly £15) for non-Prime users to access full Alexa+ features
- During Early Access: Alexa+ is currently free for all users during the early access period, including non-Prime members, though this is temporary. Currently, early access is only available in the US
In the UK, the standard cost for an Amazon Prime membership is £8.99 per month or £95 per year
| AMAZON PRESS OFFICEHow to avoid the monthly subscription
If you're concerned about the potential £15 monthly cost, there are actually several ways you can avoid dishing out the extra cash:
1. Subscribe to Amazon Prime: Since Alexa+ is included for Prime members, signing up for a Prime subscription means you'd bypass paying extra for Alexa+. The cost is effectively rolled into your existing Prime membership rather than charged separately.
2. Stick with Original Alexa: You don't have to upgrade to Alexa+, as the original Alexa remains available. The standard Alexa answers simple questions, controls smart devices, plays music, sets reminders, provides news, weather updates, and supports shopping via voice commands. If the advanced features don't justify the cost for your needs, continuing with the standard version avoids any subscription entirely.
3. Manage Your Subscription: If you enrol in a paid Alexa+ plan and find it to not be a fit for you, then you can cancel or disable auto-renewal through your Amazon account's subscription settings.
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