Amazon’s latest innovation, Alexa+, made its debut this Monday, introducing a suite of advanced AI capabilities designed to enhance user experience. However, not all features are ready for prime time, as the tech giant rolls out its updated assistant in stages, starting with a select group of Alexa device owners.
A Staggered Start for Alexa+
At a well-attended event in New York last February, Amazon’s head of devices, Panos Panay, announced that Alexa+ would begin its rollout in March, with additional features becoming available over the following months. Despite the anticipation built around this launch, internal documents reveal that some of the most talked-about functionalities will not be available immediately.
Delayed Features Raise Anticipation and Concerns
Among the delayed features are some highly anticipated capabilities that promise to revolutionize everyday tasks. For instance, the ability to order takeout from Grubhub by simply discussing cravings with Alexa+, or the assistant’s capability to recognize family members visually and remind them of specific chores, are not yet up to Amazon’s standards for a public release. These innovations are expected to take a few more months to reach the users.
Additionally, Alexa+ will eventually assist in brainstorming gift ideas or generating stories to entertain children, though these features are also slated for a later release. In the meantime, starting Monday, Alexa+ will cater to owners of newer Echo Show models with abilities like ordering an Uber or offering cooking advice.
Limited Device Compatibility and Other Hiccups
Not all Alexa device owners will enjoy the new features right away. Owners of devices such as the Fire TV and Echo Spot will need to wait longer for access. Furthermore, the much-anticipated feature of chatting via Alexa.com, known internally as “Metis,” will also not be launching on Monday.
Another issue users might encounter from day one involves the new document-reading feature, which allows Alexa+ to read and summarize content from uploaded files. While helpful, the feature currently does not support the deletion of attachments, leading to potential frustration among users. Amazon has acknowledged this limitation and expects to resolve it within a few weeks.
The Road Ahead for Alexa+
The cautious rollout underscores the challenges faced by tech giants as they update legacy virtual assistants to compete with newer AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Claude. This transformation is not unique to Amazon; Apple also experienced setbacks with its AI update for Siri, which executives have described as “embarrassing.”
Yet, the launch of Alexa+ marks a significant milestone in Amazon’s AI journey, more than a year and a half after the company first promised an AI-enhanced Alexa. The service, priced at $19.99 per month and free to Prime members at $14.99 per month, represents a major step forward in integrating AI into daily life.
Panos Panay, who joined Amazon from Microsoft in late 2023 following the departure of former device head Dave Limp, likened Alexa+ to a musical performance at the launch. “The new Alexa knows almost every instrument in your life,” Panay said, emphasizing the assistant’s ability to sync with users’ schedules, preferences, and devices to create what he calls “an incredible symphony.”
