"Removing complexity for our customers with products that make every single day better and easier," said Panos Panay, Amazon’s Vice President of Device and Services. The launch of the new Alexa Plus is set to streamline tasks, offering users a more seamless experience. "When you use Alexa Plus, you’re going to feel it," Panay added.
The Alexa Plus will be released in waves, with initial availability beginning next month. Excitingly, it will be free for Prime members, whereas non-members will incur a monthly fee of $19.99. For those considering a Prime membership, it costs $14.99 per month. This staggered release aims to ensure smooth integration and customer satisfaction.
Despite a year-and-a-half delay since its initial announcement in 2023, the fanfare around Alexa Plus aims to dispel any awkwardness. The new name and assurances of technological upgrades to the assistant's underlying system promise a revitalized experience, though it didn’t look markedly different from the familiar Alexa. The name was a closely guarded secret until its unveiling on Wednesday, with employees under strict nondisclosure agreements.
According to reports, the new version of Alexa will not be publicly released until at least March 31. At a decade old, Alexa has become a cultural icon, being one of the first AI assistants many interacted with, long before the likes of ChatGPT and Claude.
The long-awaited release of an AI-powered Alexa Plus coincides with an era where the benefits of AI are under scrutiny. Companies and communities are heavily investing in AI development, raising questions about whether these resources will translate into significant consumer innovations.
Wednesday’s presentation highlighted the capabilities of Alexa Plus, albeit with some minor hiccups. Executives had to repeat commands, which was attributed to poor acoustics and the lively audience. Despite this, the interaction with Alexa Plus was closer to natural conversation. Demonstrated abilities included checking home security cameras, ordering pizza, booking handymen, and making up stories for children.
More complex tasks like making lunch reservations and monitoring baseball game ticket prices were executed seamlessly. Tech companies have long targeted easing daily tasks, and Alexa’s partnerships for ordering food and calling taxis have been around for years, though they have yet to gain widespread popularity.
In addition to accessing Alexa Plus on devices, Amazon plans to enable interactions through Alexa.com. This expansion will potentially broaden the reach and usability of the AI-powered assistant, further integrating it into daily life.
