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How to get early access to Alexa+ (and which Amazon Echo devices will support it)
Amazon announced a generative AI-powered Alexa+ in February. It's a revamped version of Amazon's popular virtual assistant that leverages the power of generative artificial intelligence to enhance the user experience. Alexa+ is exactly what you may have envisioned when you first heard of voice assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google, but without the accompanying disappointment at their shortcomings.
Also: Everything you need to know about Alexa+, Amazon's new generative AI assistant
The improved voice assistant will be able to generate responses instead of repeating what it's been programmed to say. With generative AI, Alexa+ will also hold more natural conversations with users rather than only listening to a prompt and responding with action. The new voice assistant will support memory to recall preferences and conversations. Alexa+ will also maintain context throughout a conversation, so it will remember what you asked at the beginning of a chat and respond in that context.
Alexa+ isn't widely available yet, but you can sign up here to be notified when it is available on your Echo devices. However, Alexa+ will not be immediately available for all Echo devices.
Also: 7 exciting AI features coming with Alexa+
Here's a list of the Echo devices that will support Alexa+ when it begins rolling out over the next month.
Which Echo devices are compatible with Alexa+?
Amazon is prioritizing these Echo Show displays in the early access period of Alexa+, so the revamped virtual assistant will eventually be available on other Echo devices not listed above.
Also: Amazon's new Alexa+ companion devices coming this fall
However, once you have Alexa+ on one of these Echo Shows, you can use it on the rest of your compatible Echo speakers and devices, as well as a web browser, the Alexa app, compatible Fire TVs, and Fire tablets.
Echo devices that - initially - won't support Alexa+
The following devices won't immediately support Amazon's Alexa+ unless you have or purchase an Echo Show 8, 10, 15, or 21.
Also: The Alexa+ trick I'm most excited about for my smart home
Amazon says that getting access to Alexa+ by owning or purchasing one of the Echo Shows above will make the revamped virtual assistant available on all Echo devices (except for some older generations). Here are the Echo devices that will support Alexa+ after activation on one of the Echo Show devices listed above:
- Echo Show 5
- Echo Show 5 Kids
- Echo Hub
- Echo
- Echo Dot
- Echo Dot Kids
- Echo Pop
- Echo Pop Kids
- Echo Spot
- Echo Studio
- Echo Auto
- Echo Buds
Here's the official text from the company:
"When you get access to Alexa+ by owning or purchasing an Echo Show 8, 10, 15, or 21, it will be available on all Echo devices, with the exception of certain older-generation Echo devices like Echo Dot 1st Gen, Echo 1st Gen, Echo Plus 1st Gen, Amazon Tap, Echo Show 1st Gen, Echo Show 2nd Gen, and Echo Spot 1st Gen, where you can continue to use the original Alexa. You'll also be able to try Alexa+ on your web browser, the Alexa app, compatible Fire TVs, and Fire tablets. This experience is not currently supported on Alexa Built-in devices and Amazon Astro; however, we look forward to expanding Alexa+ to additional devices in the future."
FAQ
How do I get Alexa+?
To get early access to Alexa+, you'll have to sign up for it on the Amazon Alexa+ site.
Alexa+ is rolling out gradually, and Amazon is individually notifying users when early access to
Will I be able to use Alexa+ on my Echo speaker?
Amazon's plans for Alexa+ may be heavily tethered to the display factor, which may explain why Echo speakers will be excluded from the new generative AI assistant's initial rollout. However, you can bypass that if you have a qualifying Echo Show.
A smart display offers users a visual glance of their conversation with Alexa+, including integrations with apps that require users to see what the virtual assistant came up with. Ordering an Uber without seeing the screen could be confusing, after all.
Also: The best Alexa devices: Expert tested and recommended
But Alexa+ could do many more things for a user without relying on a display, like answering questions and creating stories. Thankfully, Amazon will eventually launch Alexa+ for its smart speakers, especially as many Alexa households don't have an Echo Show.
How much will Alexa+ cost?
Amazon announced that Alexa+ will cost $20 a month and will be offered as a separate service, though it will be included in the Prime membership. The company also said Alexa+ will be free during early access, after which customers can sign up for it (if they don't have a Prime membership).
Also: Here's how to use Alexa+ for free - even if you're not an Amazon Prime member
The Alexa+ cost is the same as ChatGPT Plus, though its individual offerings will need to be compared when available to assess which one is better.
When will Alexa+ be available?
Alexa+ will be rolled out to some of the Echo Show devices listed above over the coming weeks, followed by a gradual broader rollout.