What’s Happening with Alexa Plus?
Back in February, Amazon announced a major upgrade to its voice assistant: Alexa Plus. This version promised smarter, more conversational AI, better reminder handling, and improved smart home integration. But several months later, we’re still waiting.
Where’s the AI Upgrade?
As of mid-May, Alexa Plus remains in early access. It’s available to a limited group of users, and even among them, the experience seems underwhelming. Some of the key features Amazon teased—like seamless Grubhub ordering and sharper voice recognition—are missing or underdeveloped.
Echo Show Users May Get It First
Amazon has hinted that Echo Show owners could be among the first to try Alexa Plus. Specifically, users of the following models may receive early access:
If you own one of these devices, you might want to sign up for early access through the Alexa app or your Amazon account settings.
A Quiet Rollout Strategy
Amazon’s low-key approach mirrors Apple’s handling of its delayed Siri upgrades. By avoiding a loud launch, Amazon may be hoping to sidestep the kind of criticism Apple received for missing expectations.
What’s Missing So Far?
Based on early user reports, here’s what’s currently lacking in Alexa Plus:
- No Grubhub integration yet
- Limited conversational improvements
- Inconsistent voice recognition upgrades
It’s clear the rollout is still in the testing phase, and Amazon is likely refining the features based on feedback.
What’s Next?
If you’re keen on the future of AI voice assistants, keep an eye on tech news outlets for real-world testing and feature updates. As Amazon works to polish Alexa Plus, more users should gain access over the coming months.
For now, patience is key. The upgrade is coming—but it’s not quite ready for prime time.
Original article: CNET