The highly anticipated new Alexa Plus is set to transform the way we interact with our smart homes. With a suite of impressive features, this upgrade introduces a more conversational, context-aware, and capable voice assistant. Announced during a press conference in New York City, Alexa Plus marks the most significant evolution of the voice assistant since its debut in 2014.
One of the standout features of Alexa Plus is its improved ability to understand and respond to natural language. Unlike previous versions, users can now express their commands in a more fluid manner without needing to remember specific phrases. For instance, during a live demonstration, I witnessed Alexa seamlessly execute commands like, “Bring the lights up in here and set to a warm glow,” without requiring the user to specify device names or locations. This enhancement makes it easier for every household member to control smart devices with their voice.
Furthermore, the new Alexa can follow multiple commands in a single interaction. For example, when I asked it to dim the lights and “make it a little warmer,” the assistant adjusted the thermostat while dimming the lights, confirming the actions by saying, “I dimmed the lights in the living room and increased the temperature by two degrees; is there anything else you need?” This capability eliminates the need for repetitive activation of the wake word, streamlining the user experience.
Another exciting feature of Alexa Plus is its ability to establish smart home routines using just your voice. During the event, I shared my difficulty waking up in the mornings, and Alexa quickly devised a “Good Morning” routine. This included setting an alarm to Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” and adjusting the smart lights in my room. While this demonstration featured a limited number of devices, Amazon assures users that Alexa can create more complex routines thanks to its extensive knowledge of smart home APIs. This removes the hassle of navigating through apps to manage connected devices.
The new Echo Show UI, launching on the 15 and 21 models, brings a sleeker, more customizable design that resembles a tablet interface. With larger widgets and a full-screen display, users can enjoy an enhanced experience with minimal lag. Scott Durham from Amazon indicated that this new interface will also be rolled out to the Show 8 and 10 in the future. The interface features an expansive calendar and smart home widgets, allowing for easy touch control of devices when voice commands are not preferred.
Additionally, users can now send images, documents, and notes to their alexa@alexa.com email or through the Alexa app. This functionality enables Alexa to parse important information and add it to your calendar, making it easier to keep track of events and reminders, including those lengthy school emails.
The new smart home control UI, inspired by the successful Echo Hub interface, simplifies device management. Users can easily switch between rooms and devices with a full-screen view. One notable addition is Alexa's integration with Ring cameras, allowing users to query their Ring’s Smart Video Search for event summaries or specific instances, such as package arrivals or pet-related activities.
Cooking enthusiasts will appreciate the new cooking controls that come with Alexa Plus. Following recipes on the Echo Show has previously been cumbersome, but with this upgrade, Alexa becomes more proactive. The assistant can now extract ingredients from recipes, add them to a shopping list, and facilitate deliveries through Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh, and other grocery providers. It can also suggest recipes based on available ingredients and provide substitutions for missing items.
One of the most exciting features is the new timer functionality, which automatically sets time-based steps in recipes. For example, if a recipe requires whisking for two minutes or baking at a specific temperature, Alexa can handle these tasks for you. According to Aaron Rubenson from Amazon, the improved natural language processing means that Alexa can interface more effectively with smart kitchen appliances. This allows users to make commands like, “Alexa, can you set the oven to the right temperature for this recipe?” without using specific terminology.
Having utilized Alexa for nearly a decade, I can attest to its usefulness, albeit with some frustrations due to the need to learn specific commands. The advancements in Alexa Plus promise to change that dynamic significantly. If the new Alexa performs as impressively in homes as it did during the demonstrations, it could represent a major shift in home automation, making it an indispensable part of our daily lives.
