"Alexa+ has been in early access since March of last year, a phased launch that required users to either join a waitlist or purchase newer Echo devices to try the service. With the nationwide expansion, Amazon is opening Alexa+ to the public through compatible devices, as well as through a new website and mobile app designed to support more conversational, chatbot-style interactions."
"Over time, however, Alexa struggled to move beyond basic commands, even as conversational AI advanced rapidly. The emergence of powerful generative AI systems over the past two years underscored the limitations of traditional voice assistants and raised questions about Alexa's long-term relevance. Alexa+ is Amazon's answer to that challenge. The upgraded assistant is designed to handle more complex, multi-step requests and maintain context across conversations."
Amazon is making its generative AI-powered Alexa+ assistant available to all U.S. users after nearly a year of limited early-access testing. Alexa+ supports conversational, chatbot-style interactions through compatible Echo devices, a new website, and a mobile app. The assistant can handle complex, multi-step requests, maintain contextual conversations, and act as an agent to perform tasks like booking repairs, ordering groceries, or requesting rides. The launch responds to competition from AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude and aims to move Alexa beyond basic voice commands. Early access required a waitlist or newer Echo purchase; the rollout now opens access broadly.
Read at TechRepublic
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