Amazon's Alexa Plus rollout accelerates as features still emerge

In March 2025, Amazon launched its generative AI-powered voice assistant, Alexa Plus, which has been gradually reaching more homes. As reported by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, this rollout aims to enhance user experience by resolving any issues before a broader release. Despite a slow start, recent posts on social media indicate that the device is becoming available to more customers. The head of Amazon devices and services has emphasized the importance of perfecting the assistant before it becomes widely accessible to the public. Many users have reported that they enjoy the more conversational interactions with the assistant, which is now designed to remember important details and assist with tasks such as calendar coordination and meal planning. While a significant number of features announced during the launch event are already available in Early Access, several still remain on the horizon. These include functionalities like ordering groceries hands-free, customizing music spontaneously, and accessing Alexa Plus through web browsers. The company plans to deliver these capabilities in the forthcoming weeks and months. Although the feedback from initial users highlights the conversational improvement and utility of the assistant, some have noted limitations. For instance, one user mentioned that the new version did not interface with certain temperature sensors that were compatible with previous Alexa models. Despite the positive experiences reported by many users, others have reverted to using the regular Alexa due to issues with smart home device control. An example provided was a user's dissatisfaction over Alexa Plus's inability to manage their smart air fryer, which highlights the importance of maintaining compatibility with existing smart devices. Amazon's journey with Alexa continues as the company navigates the complexities of integrating AI technology with smart home devices, emphasizing a smoother user experience. In reflection, while Alexa Plus showcases Amazon's ongoing advancements in AI-driven voice assistance, it also reveals the challenges of ensuring that new features meet user expectations effectively. As the full suite of functionalities becomes available over time, the company remains committed to honing its technology to provide a more refined service that can compete among evolving competitors in the AI space.