Amazon Alexa+ released to the general public via an early access website (arstechnica.com)

Amazon has launched Alexa+, its generative AI assistant, to the general public through an early access site at Alexa.com, enabling users to interact with the AI without needing a specific hardware device. Initially released in February, Alexa+ aims to rival established AI chatbots like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini by integrating seamlessly into Amazon's ecosystem, which includes a push towards stimulating Prime subscriptions. The service is positioned as a multifunctional tool for organizing daily life, featuring capabilities for planning trips, managing meal preparation, and controlling smart homes, while also maintaining continuity across different platforms. This move is significant for the AI/ML community as it marks a major shift in how users can access and interact with generative AI technology, demonstrating Amazon's commitment to evolving its Alexa brand beyond traditional voice-activated tasks. The strategy includes leveraging Alexa+'s advanced features and subscription model to offset the substantial financial losses incurred from past iterations of Alexa, with potential plans to introduce ads within conversations. However, early reports indicate that users may face performance issues, such as slow response times and inaccuracies, highlighting challenges in meeting user expectations as Amazon rolls out this next-generation AI assistant.