Amazon has rolled out Alexa+, its overhauled voice assistant powered by generative AI. The update started beta testing on devices like the Echo Spot earlier this year and is now live for “many millions” of users.
Alexa+ ditches the old tricks and tries to compete in the ChatGPT era. It pulls AI models from Anthropic, Amazon Nova, and others to answer questions, control smart homes, and now tackle real-world tasks. It can read emails, summarize Ring footage, remember info, and integrate with services like Uber, OpenTable, and Ticketmaster.
Setting up Alexa+ is easier now with QR code scanning and auto Wi-Fi connection. But the accompanying Alexa app still feels cluttered and confusing. Music service setup is buried, and outdated skills like Audible throw frustrating errors. 
The new Alexa+ can handle family calendars and answer scheduling questions. But it interrupts users when adding events and sometimes lags. Its ability to remember data like frequent flier numbers is spotty, with it confusing big numbers for digits and forgetting saved info.
Alexa+ can summarize forwarded emails and add some dates to the calendar — but crucial details often get missed. Price tracking on Amazon works inconsistently. Alexa set up alerts for deals but refused to reveal current prices or full stock info on requested items.
The upgrade is rough around the edges. Alexa+ tries to be smart but bumbles basics and misses details. Many features feel half-baked or confusing, especially without full smart home integration yet.
The next tests will focus on Alexa+’s agentic AI powers — like booking rides and shopping — to see if it can actually act on user commands and save time.
“I was more easily able to ask things like ‘What’s on my calendar today?’ and follow up to ask further questions — like if there were any meetings later in the week or to repeat one of the appointments. I didn’t have to say ‘Alexa’ again to continue the conversation. It felt more natural, but there’s a very slight lag with her responses at times.”
“Alexa, can you remember my SkyMiles number?”
“Certainly! I’d be happy to remember your SkyMiles number for you. What’s the number? OK, saved it.”
“What’s my SkyMiles number?”
“Six hundred fifty-two million, four hundred eighty-six thousand…”
“Me: Alexa, summarize the recent email from school.”
“Alexa: The recent email from [my child’s school] is a welcome-back letter for the 2025-2026 school year. It announces an ‘Early Start Day’ orientation on August [date] for new students, with an information session for new parents that evening. Regular classes begin on August [date].”
“Me: Alexa, I want to know when the Glow Recipe Plum Plumping and Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Skin Care Serum goes on sale.”
“Alexa: Just a second … I’ve set up a deal tracker for the Glow Recipe Plum Plumping Serum. I’ll notify you when it goes on sale.”
Alexa fails to provide current price.
Alexa+ is live but rough. Amazon’s next moves will be critical.
