If there’s one constant in the world of AI tools, it’s that they often launch without delivering all of the promised features. This trend has been seen with various platforms, including Apple Intelligence and Galaxy AI. Now, it appears that Amazon's latest upgrade, Alexa+, is following suit. Although this AI-heavy update is officially available, initial reports indicate that it falls short of expectations.
According to a report by The Washington Post, internal company documents reveal significant delays in the rollout of many anticipated features for Alexa+. Users eager to utilize the platform for tasks like ordering takeout on Grubhub or using the camera to identify family members are in for disappointment. These features, along with the much-anticipated storytelling tool designed to entertain children, are not yet available and may take two months or longer to be implemented.
Moreover, Alexa+ currently lacks the capability to assist users in brainstorming gift ideas or ordering groceries. Adding to the list of limitations, a browser-based version of Alexa+ is not available at this time. According to Amazon, these delays are due to the features not meeting the company's stringent standards for public release.
Despite the setbacks, what can Alexa+ do at the moment? While I have not personally tested the new features, the early access page indicates that users can currently utilize the platform to order an Uber, identify various objects, and draft emails. While these functionalities may seem basic, they still represent a step forward in the integration of AI into everyday tasks.
A notable aspect of Alexa+ is its availability. The service is included with Amazon Prime membership; however, non-members will need to pay a subscription fee of $20 per month to access the features. Additionally, the rollout of Alexa+ is gradual, meaning that it may not be accessible to all users immediately. Currently, the platform functions only on devices equipped with screens, such as the Echo Show 8, 10, 15, and 21.
In conclusion, while Alexa+ brings the promise of enhanced functionalities powered by AI, users may need to be patient as they await the full range of features that have been advertised. As Amazon continues to refine and expand Alexa+, it remains to be seen how effectively it will meet user expectations in the long term.
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