Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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