Everything ever so slightly better has a plus sign, and that appears true of the next version of Amazon’s voice assistant, too.
If you have a smart device you can talk to at home, there’s a good chance that it’s one of three major options. Apple’s Siri appears on HomePod speakers, Google’s Assistant across the Nest displays, speakers, and Android devices, and then there’s Alexa.
A part of the Amazon ecosystem, Alexa can be found across the company’s own Echo smart speakers and smart displays, plus a bunch of others. It’s one of the main assistants used in the Sonos ecosystem, and you can also find Alexa inside Samsung’s The Frame speaker.
In fact, Alexa is probably one of the most used smart systems across speakers in the world, complete with support for routines you can make for just about anything.
The Future of Alexa: Introducing Alexa+
So where is Alexa heading next? Like most AI, it’s going to get a little smarter, provided you’re willing to pay for it.
READ MORE: New Apps Let You Use AI Locally Without Internet or Privacy Concerns
In the coming weeks, Australians will get to experience “Alexa+”, a version of Alexa that will be more conversational and integrate more seamlessly with various services and devices.
For instance, Alexa+ will work with platforms such as Uber, Spotify, Apple Music, Disney+, and more, while also connecting with smart home devices like Philips Hue smart lights and Roborock robotic vacuums. While these integrations technically already exist, Alexa+ is designed to enhance user interactions, making them more intuitive.
For example, instead of specifying an exact command, users can say “the lights are too bright,” and Alexa+ will know to dim them. Similarly, users can ask about musical artists, TV shows, or general topics they are interested in, with Alexa+ providing more natural and contextually relevant responses.
Global Rollout and Pricing
Initially, Alexa+ will launch in the United States, with Australia and New Zealand expected to follow soon after. However, this new AI-driven upgrade won’t be free for everyone.
In the U.S., Alexa+ will cost $19.99 USD per month, while Amazon Prime members will receive it at no additional cost. Given Amazon Prime’s pricing structure in Australia, it’s likely Aussies will have a similar choice: either pay a monthly subscription for Alexa+ or receive it as part of a Prime membership. However, this could also mean a possible increase in Amazon Prime’s local subscription cost, aligning with the global trend of rising subscription service prices.
Device Compatibility: Will Your Alexa Device Support Alexa+?
Amazon has yet to confirm whether Alexa+ will be compatible with existing Alexa-enabled devices. This leaves questions about whether devices like the Echo Dot with Clock or the current Echo Studio will support the new AI assistant. However, given that Alexa+ is an evolution of the existing system, it’s likely that many current Alexa-enabled devices will be compatible, at least initially.
Amazon has also been gradually integrating more AI-powered features into its Echo line, suggesting that many existing devices may be able to access the core functions of Alexa+ through firmware updates. However, some of the more advanced features may require newer hardware to fully leverage the enhanced conversational AI capabilities.
What This Means for the Smart Home Ecosystem
Alexa’s evolution into a conversational AI system signals a broader trend in the smart home industry. With Apple and Google also investing heavily in AI-powered voice assistants, Amazon is stepping up to maintain its dominance in the space.
By integrating a more intuitive and personalized AI assistant, Amazon is pushing towards a future where voice interactions feel less like rigid commands and more like natural conversations. This shift could transform how users interact with smart home devices, making technology more accessible and reducing the friction associated with traditional voice commands.
Moreover, Amazon’s decision to monetize Alexa+ aligns with its broader business strategy, where premium features and services become an additional revenue stream. This could pave the way for further AI innovations in the voice assistant market, potentially leading to even smarter, more context-aware home automation.
Conclusion: The Future of Alexa+
With Alexa+ set to launch soon, Amazon is betting big on AI-powered voice interactions. The shift towards a subscription-based model raises important questions about the future of smart assistants, particularly whether users will embrace paying for enhanced AI capabilities.
For now, Australians can expect Alexa+ to arrive in the near future, with a potential price tag attached. Whether this evolution of Alexa proves to be a game-changer or just another incremental upgrade remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the future of voice assistants is becoming more intelligent, more conversational, and possibly more expensive.
