Early Access to Alexa+: Supported Amazon Echo Devices Revealed

Back in February, Amazon unveiled Alexa+, a new version of their beloved virtual assistant, powered by generative AI. This isn't just another update; it's a complete overhaul that promises to deliver the kind of experience we all hoped for when voice assistants first hit the scene. Alexa+ is designed to go beyond the limitations we've come to expect from Alexa, Siri, and Google, offering a more fulfilling interaction.

With Alexa+, you're not just getting pre-programmed responses. Thanks to generative AI, it can craft unique answers and engage in more natural, flowing conversations. It's like chatting with a friend who remembers your preferences and past discussions, keeping the context throughout your chat. It's a game-changer for anyone who's ever felt frustrated by the rigid responses of traditional voice assistants.

While Alexa+ isn't available to everyone just yet, you can sign up to get notified when it's ready for your Echo devices. Keep in mind, though, that not all Echo devices will get Alexa+ right away. If you're eager to try it out, here's what you need to know about compatibility.

Which Echo Devices Are Compatible with Alexa+?

Amazon is rolling out Alexa+ first to certain Echo Show models. If you own one of these, you're in luck:

• Echo Show 8
• Echo Show 10
• Echo Show 15
• Echo Show 21

Once you've got Alexa+ on one of these Echo Shows, you can extend its use to other compatible Echo devices, including speakers, as well as web browsers, the Alexa app, Fire TVs, and Fire tablets.

Echo Devices That Initially Won't Support Alexa+

If you don't have one of the Echo Show models listed above, you'll have to wait a bit longer. Here are the Echo devices that won't support Alexa+ right out of the gate:

• 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

However, if you get your hands on an Echo Show 8, 10, 15, or 21, you can unlock Alexa+ for all your Echo devices, except for some older models. Amazon has made it clear that certain first-generation devices won't be part of the Alexa+ party, but you can still use the original Alexa on those.

Here's what Amazon has to say about it:

"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+, head over to the Amazon Alexa+ site and sign up. Amazon is rolling it out gradually, so they'll notify you when you can start using it.

Will I Be Able to Use Alexa+ on My Echo Speaker?

Initially, Alexa+ is focused on devices with displays, which might leave Echo speakers out of the loop at first. But don't worry, if you have an Echo Show, you can still use Alexa+ on your speakers. The visual aspect of smart displays helps with certain tasks, like ordering an Uber, but Alexa+ can do plenty without a screen, like answering questions or spinning tales. Amazon plans to bring Alexa+ to all its smart speakers eventually, recognizing that not everyone has an Echo Show.

How Much Will Alexa+ Cost?

Alexa+ will set you back $20 a month, but it's included in Amazon Prime memberships. During the early access period, you can try it out for free. If you're not a Prime member, you can still sign up for Alexa+ once the free period ends. It's priced the same as ChatGPT Plus, but we'll have to wait and see how their features stack up against each other.

When Will Alexa+ Be Available?

You can expect Alexa+ to start rolling out to the Echo Show devices mentioned above in the coming weeks, with a broader rollout to follow.