Amazon Australia Unveils Alexa+, an AI-Powered Assistant with Advanced Capabilities
The enhanced smart assistant can manage reservations, track prices, and understand local slang.
Amazon Australia has introduced Alexa+, an advanced, AI-powered version of its popular smart assistant. This upgrade aims to provide users with a more intuitive and capable home technology experience, going beyond basic commands to offer conversational interactions and personalized assistance.
Alexa+ is designed to understand and remember user preferences, recognize different family members' voices, and has been specifically programmed to comprehend Australian slang. This localized understanding allows for more natural communication, enabling users to phrase requests in a manner that reflects everyday language, such as understanding "servo" for gas station or "arvo" for afternoon.
The new iteration of Alexa can handle a range of tasks, including booking dinner reservations, learning favorite recipes and food preferences, and assisting with shopping. For instance, Alexa+ can build shopping lists, adjust orders based on dietary needs or upcoming events like birthdays, and even suggest items like cards or cakes.
Enhanced Functionality and Smart Home Integration
Key features of Alexa+ include price tracking and comparison for desired products, such as new headphones, with alerts for price drops. The assistant also integrates with a variety of smart home devices, including Amazon's Fire TV Stick and Ring doorbells, allowing users to check on pets or control entertainment systems.
Users can also control other connected electronics like smart light bulbs and air conditioning units remotely. The system is designed to make different gadgets work together seamlessly, enabling commands like "Alexa, it's dark" to turn on lights. For households with multiple Alexa-enabled devices, music and audiobooks can follow users as they move between rooms.
Access and Future Plans
Amazon Australia reports that 98% of Australians own an Alexa-compatible device. Existing Echo owners can register for early access to Alexa+ for free. The service will be included for free with Amazon Prime membership. For those without Prime, access to Alexa+ will eventually cost $29.99 per month, compared to the $9.99 monthly cost of Prime membership.
While all Echo hubs are compatible, specific models like the Echo Show 8, Echo Show 11, Echo Dot Max, and Echo Studio are noted for offering the most comprehensive Alexa+ experience. Amazon has indicated that this launch is the initial phase of a larger plan to enhance its AI assistant, with future features planned in collaboration with Tripadvisor and the development of a dedicated online version accessible via a web browser.