New Echo Devices Come with Alexa Plus Pre-Installed
▼ Summary
– The author is a senior tech reviewer with over 10 years of experience, specializing in mobile photography and telecom, and previously worked at DPReview.
– Amazon’s AI-powered Alexa Plus is launching with new Echo and FireTV devices, marking a significant step in its early access program currently limited to the US.
– Alexa Plus includes agentic features that can book reservations or hail rides by linking accounts with services like Uber, OpenTable, or Ticketmaster.
– The assistant allows users to remember information, create smart home routines via voice, and interact using natural language without needing specific command phrasing.
– New Echo and FireTV devices with Alexa Plus are available for pre-order, with some models shipping in October, providing a direct way to access the early program.
Amazon’s latest Echo devices are set to ship with Alexa Plus pre-installed, offering users immediate access to the upgraded AI assistant without any additional setup. This integration marks a significant rollout for Amazon, bringing the previously invite-only Alexa Plus directly to consumers through new hardware, including select Fire TV models. While the program remains in early access and is currently limited to the United States, its inclusion with these products signals a major push to expand the assistant’s reach and capabilities.
The enhanced Alexa experience introduces what Amazon describes as “agentic” functions, allowing the assistant to perform tasks like booking dinner reservations through OpenTable, hailing an Uber ride, or purchasing tickets via Ticketmaster once users link their accounts. It also features improved memory, letting you store pieces of information for later recall, and supports voice-controlled creation of smart home routines. One standout improvement is the move toward more natural interaction—you no longer need to use the “Alexa” wake word or memorize specific command phrases. Instead, Alexa Plus is designed to understand and respond to conversational language, making everyday use more intuitive.
For those eager to try Alexa Plus but still waiting for early access, purchasing a new Echo or Fire TV device could be the simplest path to entry. These products are available for pre-order starting today, with initial shipments for certain models expected to begin in October.
(Source: The Verge)
