I've been living with Alexa+ for months, and it's time to share my honest review. This AI assistant promises a more human-like experience, and I must say, it delivers! But here's where it gets controversial: Amazon recently forced it on Prime members, leaving many wondering if it's worth the hassle. Let's dive into the 7 features that make Alexa+ a game-changer, and decide together if it's time to upgrade your smart home setup.
Getting Started with Alexa+
If you're an early adopter, you'll be pleased to know that Alexa+ comes pre-installed on Amazon's latest Echo devices. For those with older models, a simple notification or a few commands in the Alexa app will do the trick. And for the curious, a visit to the Alexa+ store page is a must!
The Power of Ambient AI
Alexa's transformation is more than skin-deep. It's part of Amazon's vision for 'ambient AI' - an AI model that's always accessible, no matter the device. And trust me, it works! From smart speakers to mobile devices, Alexa+ is a constant companion.
1. Better Querying, Better Answers
For me, Alexa+ is an invaluable source of information. With an Echo Dot by my side, I can ask questions without disrupting my workflow. It's faster and easier than opening a new tab or typing into ChatGPT. And the best part? Alexa+ maintains a natural flow of conversation, making it feel more human-like.
2. Contextual Reminders for a Productive You
Alexa+ excels at reminders. From recurring notifications to context-specific alerts, it ensures you never miss a beat. Imagine setting a reminder for every Buffalo Bills game, or importing reminders from your calendar. Alexa+ even helps you build new reminders based on emails, and creates a colorful calendar to manage your family's schedule.
3. Playlist Creation: Your Daily Soundtrack
Need some background music for your workday? Alexa+ has you covered. Whether it's a themed playlist or a mix of your favorite artists, Alexa+ delivers. I asked for a Fall-themed playlist, and while there were a few surprises (like Fleetwood Mac's 'Landslide'), the results were impressive.
4. News Briefings: Stay Informed, Your Way
Alexa+ keeps you in the loop with news from over 200 outlets, including Reuters and The Washington Post. Tailor your news package to your interests, from politics to sports to entertainment. Get a personalized Daily Briefing, and stay informed without lifting a finger.
5. Enhanced Memory: It Remembers You
Alexa+ has an impressive memory. It recalls previous interactions, like my feedback on a restaurant, and uses it in current conversations. It remembers family recipes, allergies, and dietary preferences. It's like having a personal assistant who knows you inside out.
6. Improved Recommendations: Your Personal Movie Guide
With Fire TV integration, Alexa+ recommends movies based on your taste. Over time, it learns your preferences, offering tailored suggestions. Ask for movie recommendations for a specific scenario, like watching with your dad, and Alexa+ delivers. It's even aware of live content, like sports scores.
7. Wellness Integration: Your Personal Wellness Coach
Amazon is making a move into the wellness space with Alexa+ leading the charge. It nudges you to work out when you have free time, and gently reminds you to wind down when it's late. With partnerships with Wyze and Withings, Amazon plans to expand its wellness offering with medical-grade devices like air purifiers and smart scales.
Other Upgrades to Explore
Alexa.com on the Web: Amazon brings Alexa+ to your browser with Alexa.com, offering a chatbot-like interface for responses and smart home control.
Omnisense: The newest Echo devices and Fire TVs include Omnisense sensors, which use Wi-Fi radar and ultrasound to detect your presence and provide contextual updates and content suggestions.
Alexa+ Store: Expanding on the traditional Amazon digital storefront, the Alexa+ Store offers access to apps like DoorDash and TaskRabbit, allowing you to shop and perform tasks directly from your smart home devices.
Do You Need to Upgrade?
Whether you need a new Amazon device for Alexa+ depends on your needs. Personally, I find my current Echo Dot sufficient. But if you're building a smart home network, especially with Ring or Blink cameras, or a dedicated Fire TV, the new displays offer a compelling and reasonably priced hub.
So, what do you think? Is Alexa+ worth the upgrade? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Are you ready to embrace the future of AI-assisted living?
