Alexa+ (Alexa Plus) is Amazon's revamped version of its virtual assistant, now powered by generative AI. Though Amazon is rolling out Alexa+ to many existing Echo devices, it will not be available for free longterm. Using Alexa+ will cost$20 monthly, the same as ChatGPT Plus. Thankfully, there are ways you can use it for free -- at least for a limited time.
Also: 7 useful AI features coming with Alexa+ (and which Echo devices will support it)
Giving Alexa generative AI enables the virtual assistant to do much more than it has been able to do until now. Instead of spouting off canned, pre-determined responses to questions, the new Alexa+ will be able to generate answers of its own, powered by powerful Amazon Bedrock large language models (LLM). Alexa+ will also maintain context, speak more naturally, and process more information simultaneously, much like ChatGPT can do.
The Echo Show 21 will be initially compatible with Alexa+.
What you'll need:An Echo Show 8, 10, 15 or 21.
Alexa+ will cost$20 monthly, but aside from being free for Prime users, it will also be free for qualifying Alexa users during an early access period. If you have an Echo Show 8, 10, 15, or 21, you'll be prioritized to use Alexa+ once available. If so, you'll get an email or a device notification when the early access period begins.
Follow the instructions in your email or on your Echo Show 8, 10, 15, or 21 to opt into the Alexa+ early access period. Once you opt in, you'll be able to use Alexa+ on your Echo Show, as well as most existing Echo devices, web browser, the Alexa app, compatible Fire TVs, and Fire tablets.
What you'll need: An Echo Show 8, 10, 15 or 21.
Alexa+ costs$20 monthly, but it's free for Prime users. Alexa+ isn't available yet, so I'd recommend waiting until it is and after the early access period before signing up for Prime. Amazon lets you try Prime for 30 days before paying for it. A Prime monthly membership costs$15.
Once Alexa+ is released, you can sign up for anAmazon Prime subscription , which includes a 30-day free trial.
Also: Not all Echo devices will get Alexa+ - see if yours made the list
After signing up for a free Prime trial, ensure your compatible Echo Show is linked to your Amazon account with Prime. You can check your account information in the Echo Show's settings.
Trying Alexa+ should be easy enough: Simply ask the virtual assistant a question that the classic version of Alexa can't handle. Here are some examples of what you can ask Alexa+:
Determining whether Alexa+ is worth it depends primarily on your individual needs. At$20 a month, the service isn't cheap, but it is included in a Prime membership, ensuring it is available to millions of existing Prime users. Here are some factors to consider when mulling whether or not Alexa+ is worth it:
Alexa+ is Amazon's redesigned version of Alexa, its virtual assistant, now with the power of generative AI. Alexa+ can do things that the classic Alexa cannot, like make reservations, generate content, have more natural conversations, and remember preferences. Alexa+ is like having ChatGPT in your Echo device; it will be able to provide more complete answers to questions and better understand you.
Alexa+ is slated to be rolled out gradually over the next few weeks. Amazon is prioritizing the Echo Show 8, 10, 15, and 21 in the initial rollout.