Alexa+ The Next Big AI Assistant or Too Late to the Party?
Amazon has officially unveiled Alexa+, a next-generation AI-powered version of its voice assistant, aiming to revolutionise how we interact with smart devices. With artificial intelligence advancing rapidly, Alexa+ promises a more natural, conversational experience—but can it compete with established AI rivals like ChatGPT, Siri, and Google Assistant?
What Is Alexa+ and How Is It Different?
Alexa+ is Amazon’s biggest overhaul of its virtual assistant since the original Alexa launched in 2014. The key changes include:
- More natural conversations with no rigid “Alexa speak”
- Memory-based AI, allowing it to remember user preferences
- Better smart home integration and personalisation
- Expanded device compatibility, including smart glasses, laptops, and smartphones
One major selling point is that Alexa+ will be included in Amazon Prime subscriptions for free, whereas non-Prime users will need to pay £16 per month.
Why Is Amazon Relaunching Alexa?
Amazon’s decision to revamp Alexa comes after years of struggling to make its smart speakers more than just timers and music players. While Alexa-powered Echo devices have been hugely popular—found in one in four UK homes—most users only utilise basic features.
Amazon originally envisioned Alexa as a smart home hub that would drive more online shopping through voice commands, but this strategy failed to deliver meaningful revenue. Instead, the company has now repositioned Alexa as a true AI assistant, capable of handling a broader range of tasks.
What Devices Will Support Alexa+?
Amazon has confirmed that Alexa+ will be available on a wide range of devices, including:
- Second-generation Echo Dot (2017) and newer
- First-generation Echo Show 8 (2019) and newer
- Amazon's upcoming Alexa-powered smartphones, laptops, and smart glasses
This move suggests Amazon is looking to move beyond smart speakers and into AI-driven personal assistants on multiple devices.
Can Alexa+ Compete with ChatGPT, Google, and Siri?
Despite its improvements, Alexa+ faces stiff competition. ChatGPT, Google Assistant, and Siri have already established themselves as powerful AI-driven platforms. Experts suggest that while Amazon’s new AI assistant is a step in the right direction, it may struggle to overcome past perceptions.
Some of the biggest challenges include:
- Convincing users that Alexa+ is more than just a smart speaker
- Privacy concerns over AI memory and data collection
- Whether the AI is advanced enough to rival competitors
Sell Your Old Smart Devices for the Best Price
Upgrading to Alexa+? Selling your old Echo devices or smart gadgets can help fund your next purchase. Using a sell my phone comparison tool allows you to compare trade-in offers and get the highest value.
If you're upgrading from an iPhone to a more AI-integrated device, check out sell my iPhone 12 for the best trade-in deals.
Alexa+ represents Amazon’s bold attempt to stay relevant in the AI race. While it promises smarter conversations and more personalised assistance, whether it will truly compete with ChatGPT and Google remains to be seen. If you’re planning to upgrade your smart home setup, don’t forget to sell your phone or smart devices for the best trade-in price.