Amazon has officially introduced the generative AI powered personal assistant, Alexa+, in India. The upgraded version of Alexa is designed to understand natural conversations, remember user preferences and perform tasks across smart home devices and other services. Alexa+ can understand English, Hindi and Hinglish, allowing users to switch between languages during a conversation without losing context. It can also help with shopping, meal planning, entertainment, travel and smart home controls.
The Alexa+ is made to handle more natural conversations, allowing users to speak without repeating the Alexa wake word after every request. It can also understand mixed language commands and follow conversations when users change topics.
The assistant connects with compatible smart home devices from brands like Atomberg, Qubo, Dreame and Wipro. The users can even control multiple devices through a single voice request and create routines using natural language. Alexa+ also works with services such as Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, JioSaavn, Prime Video and Netflix.
Amazon is also planning integrations with EazyDiner, Swiggy, District by Zomato, MakeMyTrip, Home Triangle and TripAdvisor. The company also says Alexa+ can help with shopping by creating lists, tracking deliveries, comparing products, summarising verified reviews and monitoring price drops.
It can also use voice and visual identification to personalise responses for different family members. Amazon says it can remember preferences such as dietary restrictions and use them when suggesting recipes. Alexa+ is powered by an architecture based on Amazon Bedrock that connects more than 70 AI models with various services and devices.
Alexa+ is free for all users during the Early Access period in India. It is available on eligible Echo smart speakers and smart displays, Fire TV devices and the Alexa mobile app. Once Early Access ends, Alexa+ will remain free for Prime members. Prime Lite, Prime Shopping Edition and non-Prime users will be able to access it through a standalone subscription priced at Rs 2,000 per month or through an eligible Prime plan.
Amazon is also introducing the Echo Show 8, Echo Show 11, Echo Dot Max and Echo Studio as devices designed to make the most of Alexa+.