Alexa+ Goes Public: Amazon’s AI Assistant Upgrade Faces Early Backlash Despite Free Access

In a sweeping move that marks one of the most significant shifts in smart home technology this year, Amazon has officially opened Alexa+ to all users across the United States. After a year-long early access program, the next-generation AI assistant is now available to everyone—though not without controversy.

The Big Picture: Free Access, But Full Features Cost Extra

Starting today, any US user can access a limited version of Alexa+ for free via the web. However, the full suite of features—including cross-device compatibility, household sharing, and advanced AI capabilities—requires either an Amazon Prime membership ($14.99/month) or a standalone Alexa+ subscription ($19.99/month).

Amazon is positioning this as a revolutionary upgrade, promising a “smarter, more conversational, and more personalized” experience. The company claims users are engaging with Alexa+ twice as much as the original version, with tens of millions already having made the switch.

How to Upgrade: It’s Easier Than You Think

For Prime subscribers, upgrading is as simple as saying “Alexa, upgrade to Alexa+” near any compatible device. Non-Prime users can access a limited web-based version immediately or sign up for the full experience through the Alexa website.

The upgrade promises ChatGPT-style conversational abilities, contextual memory, and even basic agentic capabilities—allowing users to order food or book rides with simple voice commands.

The Dark Side: Reddit Erupts with Complaints

However, the rollout hasn’t been smooth sailing. Tech forums and Reddit threads are flooded with complaints from early adopters experiencing significant issues:

• Smart home failures: Users report Alexa+ breaking established routines and failing to connect with smart lights
• Inaccurate responses: The AI is generating “slop”—inaccurate or nonsensical information when answering questions
• Calendar chaos: Scheduling features are producing incorrect dates and times
• Over-talkative assistant: Many users complain the new Alexa talks too much, defeating the purpose of a streamlined experience
• Privacy concerns: One user reported their device unexpectedly playing explicit content

One Reddit post dramatically titled “Alexa+, bringer of sorrow” has garnered significant attention, with users sharing their frustrations and even recommending a return to the original Alexa.

The TechRadar Take: Proceed with Caution

While TechRadar’s initial testing of Alexa+ was largely positive, the disparity between professional reviews and user experiences raises red flags. The consensus among tech analysts is clear: early adopters should brace for bugs and potential disruptions to their smart home ecosystems.

What’s Next?

Amazon has yet to announce a global rollout timeline, but industry experts expect international expansion soon. The company is clearly betting big on AI to maintain its dominance in the smart home market, especially as competitors like Google’s Gemini Assistant face their own challenges.

As this massive technological shift unfolds, one thing is certain: the future of voice assistants is here, but it might come with a few growing pains.

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