Amazon has finally launched Alexa+ across the UK for millions of households with an Echo Dot Max, Echo Show or Fire TV connected, bringing welcome news for Prime members. This software enhancement delivers a substantial upgrade.
The most recent versions of these gadgets - the Echo Show 8, Echo Show 11, Echo Dot Max, and Echo Studio will receive access straight away. This extends to streaming through the Fire TV Omni Series, the latest Fire TV Stick 4K Select and Fire TV Stick 4K Plus, whilst also being compatible with older devices going back to the second generation.
The update means devices, including the latest Echo Show range and Echo Dot Max, will become significantly more intelligent with improved response speeds. They'll better understand individual preferences and habits, whilst integrating with numerous third-party applications to simplify tasks such as ordering takeaways, making restaurant reservations and even scheduling beauty treatments.
The upgrade also delivers enhanced smart home functionality, making the connection between an Echo Dot Max, Fire TV, and household appliances such as fans and heaters feel far more integrated.
Creating routines has become much more straightforward too, such as setting an alarm, checking the weather and turning on the lights in the morning, comparable (though not identical) to what's available through Google Home devices and Gemini.
Alexa+ is included in the Amazon Prime membership, essentially dishing out Alexa+ for free as it's bundled in with the usual next-day delivery perks. Otherwise, it costs £19.99 a month without a Prime membership.
Free with Prime
AmazonHow can I access Amazon Alexa+ on my device?
Purchasing one from today grants households instant access. Those who already own a new Echo Dot Max, Fire Show 8 or 11, or any earlier model going back to Second Generation devices, need to register at amazon.co.uk/newalexa. The sole models not included in this launch are the original Echo Dots.
Can I use Alexa+ on the old device I have at home?
Devices designed with Alexa+ compatibility:
Additional compatible devices include:
What's new with Alexa+
"Alexa+ is an AI assistant that is always available. You don't need to learn new interfaces, just talk", explained Daniel Rausch, Vice President of Alexa and Echo. Outlining three key features, he informed attendees: "The first of those is ambient intelligence. It's as accessible to an eight-year-old kid as it is to my 80-year-old parents.
"Next is Contextual Awareness. Alexa taps into you, your people, and your relationships, allowing Alexa+ to be much more personalised and proactive and ultimately a ton more useful."
Lastly, he highlighted the third distinguishing capability, its task completion function. He stated: "She (Alexa) is able to complete tasks in the real world.
"A chatbot that can answer your questions, of course, is helpful, but an assistant that gets things done for you, completely changes your day. Alexa+ can book a table at your favourite restaurant, she can read your kids' schedule, add meetings to your calendar, lock your door every night, remind you of your mum's birthday and order a gift.
"She'll check your back door camera for package deliveries, she'll create a slideshow with the best pics from your weekend, she'll find your favourite song from a movie you just watched, tell you about the artist, and play a playlist with similar music."
How much does Alexa+ cost?
There's no additional charge; those already using Amazon Prime, for non-Prime subscribers, this could well persuade them to sign up, as without membership, Alexa+ will set them back £19.99 monthly.
The advantage of bundling all the enhanced Alexa+ capabilities within Prime membership helps distinguish it from competitors. Consider Apple, for instance - whilst using a HomePod Mini with Siri comes free of charge, unlocking more tailored features or requesting particular songs requires an Apple Music subscription at £10.99 per month - more expensive than Amazon's package and arguably less sophisticated.
What about my privacy?
Following the US launch late last year, this has emerged as one of the primary concerns surrounding the enhanced Alexa+, and with its arrival in the UK, it's expected to resurface. The issue becomes particularly prominent when discussing the addition of personal details and addresses.
I put the question to Meryem Tom, Amazon Alexa UK Managing Director, who explained: "It's no different to any other Amazon product, and we design all products with customer privacy and security in mind, and Alexa+ is no exception. It will continue to have the right guardrails in place.
"If you want to delete the things you've uploaded later, you have a dashboard on your app, you can do with voice history and delete recordings, and we take it seriously."
