Amazon, the online e-commerce giant, officially announced Alexa+, an advanced version of its popular voice assistant powered by generative AI (artificial intelligence), at an event in New York on Wednesday.
According to Amazon, this next-generation AI assistant is designed to engage in natural, flowing conversations, understand context and meaning, and create seamless and personalized interactions, making smart home experiences more intuitive than ever.
“Alexa+ is that trusted assistant that can help you conduct your life and your home. Taking something that is so complex and making it into something that’s just a little bit simpler and definitely more accessible—it’s something Amazon is known for.
Removing complexity for our customers with products that make every single day better and easier. I think you’re going to love it. When you use Alexa+, you’re going to feel it … I am so excited for you to be on this journey with us,” Panos Panay, SVP of Devices & Services, said.
For instance, Alexa+ can purchase concert tickets, control smart home devices, and navigate services with minimal user supervision.
It can also create study plans, create and edit grocery lists on the fly, revise a list based on dietary preferences, or text a babysitter.
It can also make a dinner reservation for two and call an Uber ride for a friend via third-party services such as OpenTable and Uber, respectively.
Further, Alexa+ can help you manage your calendar and recall important details from shared documents, provide helpful summaries, add events to your calendar based on specific requests, and more.
In addition, it can provide quick, accurate responses across countless topics, from financial markets to sports statistics, as the system’s deep knowledge foundation is supported by partnerships with major news organizations, including Associated Press, Reuters, TIME, USA TODAY, Politico, and many others.
The company also announced a preview of the new Alexa AI Multi-Agent SDK, which will allow brands to showcase their agents alongside Alexa.
Alexa+ is priced at $19.99 per month but is available for free for existing Prime members. The rollout in the U.S. will begin “in the next few weeks”, followed by a phased launch over the next few months, starting with households that feature an Echo Show 8, 10, 15 or 21.
Additionally, a new Android and iOS app, along with a new website, is being launched for the generative AI-powered voice assistant. Once synced, users can seamlessly start a conversation on one platform and continue it on another.
Currently, Alexa+ is available only in English for customers in the U.S. The device language must be set to “English (United States).” To change your language settings, go to the Alexa app, or on-device by going to Settings > Device options > Device Language.
