Amazon has recently unveiled Alexa Plus, a significant upgrade to its voice assistant, integrating generative artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance its capabilities. This new version of Alexa is designed to offer more human-like interactions, advanced conversational abilities, and improved task automation. Here are the detailed new AI capabilities of Alexa Plus:
Advanced Conversational Abilities
Alexa Plus can now understand and respond to more natural language, allowing users to have back-and-forth conversations without needing to repeat wake words or use rigid command structures. This is made possible by advancements in large language models (LLMs) and generative AI, similar to those powering chatbots like ChatGPT[1][3][9].Contextual Awareness and Memory
The new Alexa can remember previous interactions, enabling it to provide more intuitive and personalized responses over time. It can pick up context from earlier parts of a conversation, making multi-turn interactions smoother and more natural[3][10].Task Automation and Multitasking
Alexa Plus is capable of handling more complex tasks with less input from users. It can manage schedules, analyze documents, control smart home devices, and even perform tasks like booking concert tickets or sending text messages[1][2][3]. Additionally, it can browse the internet via Alexa.com and complete tasks on partnered websites[6].Personalization
Alexa Plus learns users' preferences and habits, tailoring its responses and suggestions to their specific needs. This includes remembering favorite foods, movies, and playback, and making personalized recommendations based on user history[3][7].Multimodal Interactions
Alexa Plus can process visual information using device cameras, allowing it to understand and answer questions about the environment. For example, it can describe scenes captured by an Echo Show's camera[6].Integration with Smart Home Devices and Apps
The AI-powered assistant integrates with a wide variety of smart home devices and popular apps like Spotify, OpenTable, and Ticketmaster. This integration enhances its ability to manage daily tasks and provide seamless interactions across different platforms[9].Creative and Analytical Tasks
Alexa Plus can assist with creative tasks such as generating summaries, drafting messages, and even creating AI-powered images through tools like DALL·E[11].Accessibility and Pricing
Alexa Plus is available through Echo devices, the Alexa mobile app, and a new web browser experience. It is free for Amazon Prime subscribers and costs $19.99 per month for non-subscribers[10][11].Overall, Alexa Plus represents a significant leap forward in virtual assistant technology, positioning Amazon to compete more effectively in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Citations:[1] https://techxplore.com/news/2025-02-amazon-gen-alexa-ai.html
[2] https://www.pymnts.com/amazon-alexa/2025/amazon-unveils-an-agentic-smarter-and-more-capable-alexa-plus/
[3] https://writesonic.com/blog/amazon-announces-alexa-plus
[4] https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/amazon-is-giving-alexa-is-a-major-ai-upgrade-heres-what-we-know/
[5] https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2025/02/26/business/amazon-alexa-plus
[6] https://www.zdnet.com/article/7-useful-ai-features-coming-with-alexa-plus-and-which-echo-devices-support-it/
[7] https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/26/business/amazon-alexa-plus/index.html
[8] https://www.reuters.com/technology/amazon-set-release-long-delayed-alexa-generative-ai-revamp-2025-02-05/
[9] https://www.tomsguide.com/ai/alexa-release-date-cost-devices-and-all-the-new-ai-features
[10] https://www.geekwire.com/2025/amazons-new-alexa-uses-generative-ai-to-personalize-conversations-and-automate-tasks/
[11] https://www.allaboutai.com/resources/alexa-plus-ai/