How to get access to Alexa+ on your Amazon device (and which Echo models support it)

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET's key takeaways Alexa+ is now in early access with gradual expansion planned. You can join early by signing up or buying a compatible Echo. A wider rollout is coming, but no date has been confirmed. Following the launch of the new Amazon devices, you may be wondering when you'll be able to access Alexa+. Amazon announced Alexa+ in February, a generative AI-powered version of its popular virtual assistant that leverages the power of generative artificial intelligence to enhance the user experience. Alexa+ is exactly what you may have envisioned when you first heard of virtual assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google, but without the accompanying disappointment at their shortcomings. Also: Amazon event 2025 updates: Reactions to Echo, Kindle Scribe, Alexa+, Fire TV, more The improved voice assistant can generate responses instead of simply repeating what it's been programmed to say. With generative AI, Alexa+ can engage in more natural conversations with users, rather than simply listening to a prompt and responding with a predetermined action. Also: Amazon just gave Alexa its biggest upgrade since debut - and you'll want an Echo Show for it It also supports memory to recall preferences and conversations, maintaining context throughout a conversation. This allows it to remember what you asked at the beginning of a chat and respond in that context without you having to say, "Alexa" again. Kerry Wan/ZDNET How to get early access to Alexa+ Alexa+ isn't widely available yet, but you can sign up here to get early access and be notified when it is available on your Echo devices. If you buy a compatible Echo device, you'll also get Alexa+ Early Access when you set it up. Echo devices compatible with Alexa+ If you already have or buy one of the Echo devices below, or their Kids variation, you can get early access to Alexa+: Once you have Alexa+ on one of these Echo devices, you can use it on the rest of your compatible Echo speakers and devices, the Alexa app, compatible Fire TVs, and Fire tablets. Online access through Alexa.com is coming soon. Echo devices that don't support Alexa+ While the new virtual assistant is compatible with most Echo devices, the following won't support Amazon's Alexa+, though you'll still be able to access the standard Alexa on them: Echo Dot 1st Gen Echo 1st Gen Echo Plus 1st Gen Echo Show 2nd Gen and older Echo Spot 1st Gen Echo Buds 1st Gen Amazon Tap Fire TV Cube 2nd Gen and older Fire TV Stick 4K Max 1st Gen Fire TV Stick 4K 1st Gen Fire TV Stick Fire HD 8 Tablet 11th Gen and older Fire HD 10 Tablet 12th Gen and older Fire Max 11 12th Gen and older Amazon Astro (planned for the future)