Amazon Alexa Plus dashboard
Prakhar Khanna
The all-new, long-awaited Amazon Alexa rewamp is here and it’s called Alexa Plus. It will start rolling out next month but you’re unlikely to get access without signing up for it. The new generative AI-powered Amazon smart assistant costs $19.99 per month but is free for Prime members. However, it won’t be available for everyone.
Alexa Plus will only be available in early access for U.S-based customers. Here’s how you can sign up to experience Amazon’s new smart assistant.
Alexa Plus Requires An Opt-In
Amazon Devices & Services Senior Vice President Panos Panay demoing Alexa Plus
Prakhar Khanna
You can access Alexa Plus after you sign up for it on Amazon’s website. Once you tap on the link, it’ll ask you to sign in with your Amazon account. It’ll only be available in English for customers in the U.S.
How To Change Device Language To Get Alexa Plus Access
- Open the Alexa app.
- Go to Language settings.
- Tap on Device options > Device Language.
- Select English United States.
Once you have access and opt-in, Alexa Plus will start working across all your compatible Echo devices, Fire TV and Fire tablets. It will also be available on your web browser and the Alexa app.
Alexa Plus will remain free in early access, and Amazon states that you won’t be automatically charged once the early access period ends. It will remain a free benefit with your Prime membership.
You’ll need an Echo Show 8, 10, 15 or 21 to get Alexa Plus access. Other devices are likely to get support in the coming months but Amazon has ruled out support for a few 1st gen Echo products. You can checkout the full list of Alexa Plus-supported devices here:
Parents can make the Alexa Plus experience available to their kids by creating and enabling a child profile. The Kids Edition Echo devices will support the latest smart assistant in the coming months but if you have the supported Echo Show, you can set up a voice ID for your kids, so the device will turn on Alexa Plus Kids when an enrolled child is recognized.
Amazon says, “When an enrolled child profile is recognized or on a device with Amazon Kids enabled, our GenAI content moderation extends the multi-layered controls for a general audience with additional guardrails that are purpose-built for children.”
However, new features like Stories with Alexa and Explore with Alexa can only be accessed if you have a Amazon Kids Plus subscription.