Alexa+ Now Available to All US Users: Here's How to Upgrade (or Skip It)

Amazon has officially launched Alexa+ to all US users, marking a significant upgrade to its popular voice assistant with new AI-powered capabilities. The rollout comes just before Apple is expected to unveil its own Siri AI enhancements, setting up an interesting competition in the smart assistant space.

Alexa+ Availability and Pricing Options

Amazon is offering multiple ways to access Alexa+, catering to different user preferences and budgets:

• Free access: Anyone can use Alexa+ through the Alexa app or via a chat experience at Alexa.com
• Prime members: Get full access to Alexa+ (including on Echo devices) as a new Prime membership benefit
• Non-Prime users: Can subscribe for $19.99/month for full Alexa+ access

According to Amazon, early access users have been interacting with Alexa+ more than twice as much as they did with the standard Alexa, suggesting the AI enhancements are resonating with users.

How to Upgrade to Alexa+

Current Alexa users will not be automatically upgraded to Alexa+. If you're ready to experience the new AI-powered assistant, Amazon provides several upgrade options:

For Prime Members:

• Say "Alexa, upgrade to Alexa+" to your Echo device
• Log into your Amazon account at Alexa.com
• Visit Amazon.com/AlexaPlus to learn more or start a free 30-day Prime trial if eligible

For Non-Prime Users:

• Access the free Alexa chat experience immediately at Alexa.com
• Subscribe to the $19.99/month plan for full features

How to Skip the Upgrade

If you're not ready to switch to Alexa+, Amazon won't force the upgrade on you. To continue using the standard Alexa:

• Simply avoid saying "Alexa, upgrade to Alexa+" to your devices
• Don't select any upgrade options when visiting Alexa.com

Your existing Alexa functionality will remain unchanged until you choose to upgrade.

What's New in Alexa+?

While Amazon hasn't detailed every feature, they've highlighted several key capabilities that distinguish Alexa+ from its predecessor:

• Conversational chat: More natural, flowing conversations with the assistant
• Deep research: Enhanced ability to handle complex queries and provide detailed responses
• Increased engagement: Users are reportedly interacting with Alexa+ more than twice as frequently

The timing of this full rollout is particularly interesting, coming just before Apple's expected Siri AI announcements. This suggests Amazon is positioning Alexa+ as a direct competitor to whatever enhancements Apple plans to reveal.

User Experience and Feedback

Amazon reports that early access members have been using Alexa+ significantly more than the standard version, indicating positive reception to the AI enhancements. However, the company is still giving users the choice to upgrade, recognizing that not everyone may be ready for the new experience.

Have you tried Alexa+ yet? The rollout gives users flexibility to either embrace the new AI-powered assistant or stick with the familiar Alexa experience they know. With both free and paid options available, Amazon is making Alexa+ accessible to a wide range of users while also creating new revenue opportunities through the subscription model.

The launch of Alexa+ represents Amazon's commitment to keeping pace with the AI revolution in voice assistants, potentially setting the stage for an intense competition with Apple's upcoming Siri updates and other AI-powered assistants in the market.