Amazon launches Alexa+ nationwide with free text option

Amazon has rolled out its advanced AI assistant, Alexa+, to all US users for $20 monthly or free with Prime membership. Non-Prime members can now try a limited text-based version at no cost. The update aims to enhance conversational abilities and personalization based on user feedback from early access.

Amazon's next-generation AI assistant, Alexa+, became available nationwide in the United States on February 4, 2026. Previously in early access since last year, the service costs $20 per month standalone but is included at no extra charge for Prime members, whose subscription is $15 monthly. Amazon introduced a free text-based chat tier for non-Prime users to sample the features, accessible via the Alexa website with usage limits for questions and research.

Prime subscribers can activate Alexa+ by voice command—saying "Alexa, upgrade to Alexa+"—or by signing into their account on Alexa.com. The company stated it incorporated user insights from the early phase before this full rollout. Amazon also promotes a 30-day free Prime trial for newcomers, potentially drawing in those intrigued by the upgraded assistant.

Alexa+ supports more natural interactions and agentic functions, such as scheduling management, personalized recommendations, reservations, and smart home control. It personalizes responses by monitoring users' digital activities for relevance.

Early impressions were mixed. In a preview last summer, Engadget's Cherlynn Low praised its handling of complex tasks but noted inconsistencies, describing it as "just incompetent enough to be annoying."

This launch positions Alexa+ to compete in the AI assistant market, though its broad appeal will depend on consistent performance.

Makala yanayohusiana

Amazon Ring doorbell with AI Greetings feature conversing with a delivery person at a modern home's front door.
Picha iliyoundwa na AI

Amazon launches AI greetings for Ring doorbells

Imeripotiwa na AI Picha iliyoundwa na AI

Amazon has introduced a new feature called Greetings that allows Alexa+ to interact with visitors via compatible Ring doorbells. The AI-powered tool detects who is at the door and responds conversationally, helping manage deliveries and other interactions. It is rolling out today for early access users in the US and Canada.

Google has launched its AI Plus subscription plan in India, offering advanced AI tools like Gemini 3 Pro at an affordable Rs 199 per month for the first six months. The plan includes enhanced features for content creation, imaging, video generation, and integration across Google apps. Jio users receive a free AI Pro subscription for 18 months.

Imeripotiwa na AI

OpenAI has announced plans to begin testing advertisements in its ChatGPT app for free users and the new $8-per-month Go subscription tier in the United States. The company aims to diversify revenue amid significant financial pressures, while ensuring ads do not influence the AI's responses. Higher-paid tiers will remain ad-free.

Amazon's Super Saturday sale, starting December 20, 2025, targets procrastinating shoppers with discounts on WIRED-tested products guaranteed to arrive before Christmas. The 24-hour event features same-day delivery in over 9,000 cities and hand-picked gear from headphones to fitness trackers. Procrastinators can now complete their holiday lists with reliable, vetted items.

Imeripotiwa na AI

As CES 2026 approaches, experts anticipate significant advancements in smart home technology driven by artificial intelligence. Predictions highlight more conversational voice assistants, noninvasive presence sensing, and automated routines that reduce human input. These developments aim to address longstanding issues like compatibility and privacy in connected homes.

At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Emerson Smart introduced a line of home appliances that respond to voice commands without Wi-Fi, apps, or cloud processing, prioritizing user privacy. The devices, from IAI Smart, include fans, heaters, air fryers, and plugs that handle commands locally. Some models are available now, with more coming later this year.

Imeripotiwa na AI

Microsoft has announced a series of generative AI features for Windows 11, aiming to transform every PC into an 'AI PC' through voice activation, screen analysis, and automated file handling. These updates, including the 'Hey, Copilot' voice command and worldwide rollout of Copilot Vision, build on the company's agentic AI focus. The features emphasize natural user interactions while addressing past privacy concerns from tools like Recall.

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