Amazon is expanding the reach of its AI assistant, Alexa Plus (Alexa+), by making it available on the web for Early Access users. This move aims to ensure that anyone can utilize the Alexa AI assistant, even without Amazon devices like Echo speakers or Fire TV. For existing users interacting with Alexa Plus through their gadgets, this web version will enhance the ease of interaction.
A significant motivation behind this launch is to enable Amazon to compete with more popular chatbots such as ChatGPT and Gemini. Since the rise of ChatGPT in late 2022, the tech landscape has shifted dramatically, with many companies developing their own chatbot alternatives. While Alexa has traditionally functioned as a voice assistant, it has not matched the capabilities of these newer chatbots.
Alexa Plus, which has evolved significantly since its introduction, now works with thousands of services and devices, reaching tens of millions of users. Amazon reports that since launching Alexa Plus, there have been "twice the conversations, three times the purchases, five times the recipe requests."
The web version promises a rich experience, allowing users to ask questions, explore complex topics, create content, plan trips, assist with homework, manage documents, and integrate with other apps and devices. Additionally, it can help control smart homes, create to-do lists, update calendars, and make restaurant reservations. With deep integration into Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods, Alexa Plus also supports meal planning and recipe discovery, making grocery shopping more convenient for users purchasing through Amazon.
Alexa Plus integrates seamlessly with other Amazon products, including Fire TV devices. Users can inquire about specific shows and receive personalized recommendations, with Alexa remembering these suggestions on their Fire TV. Additionally, Alexa can utilize Echo Show displays to provide recipe guidance. The assistant also supports a variety of smart home devices, enabling users to manage their smart home from a browser. This includes tasks such as unlocking doors, checking security cameras, and adjusting thermostats. A sidebar on Alexa.com will provide quick access to the smart home products that Alexa can control.
However, Alexa Plus may not offer some advanced AI features available in other chatbots. It lacks support for deeper thinking and voice mode, and it remains uncertain whether it can generate images as easily as products like ChatGPT and Gemini. Additionally, there is no clarity on whether Alexa Plus can provide coding support or deep research reports, features that users might expect from other chatbots. It's important to note that Alexa Plus is still in its early development phase, with companies like OpenAI and Google having refined their chatbots over several years.
Alexa Plus is currently available through an Early Access program, indicating that Amazon is still in the early stages of development. Interested users can sign up for Early Access to test Alexa Plus on the web without needing an active Amazon Prime subscription.