Amazon Alexa+ Is Rolling Out Everywhere—Even Your Browser (www.wired.com)

Amazon has officially begun rolling out its new AI-driven voice assistant, Alexa+, to a wider audience, including all Prime members and Early Access users. Significant for the AI/ML community, Alexa+ represents a shift from a conventional voice assistant model to a more interactive, conversational AI, similar to chatbots like ChatGPT. It features advanced capabilities such as improved understanding of complex queries and a new default voice described as "sassy," adding a youthful tone to interactions. Notably, Alexa+ will now also be accessible via the Alexa.com browser platform, expanding its reach and versatility. Technical implications of this rollout include enhanced user experience through on-screen text conversations on devices like the Echo Show, effectively merging voice and text interfaces. While the assistant is currently free for Prime subscribers, it will eventually carry a subscription fee for non-members. Users can opt-out of this new experience and revert to the original Alexa by simple voice commands, though some changes in tone and inflection indicate that even the classic version has received updates. Amazon has yet to announce a timeline for the fully realized version of Alexa+, which leaves industry watchers curious about its long-term impact on the smart assistant landscape amidst growing competition.