If you possess an Alexa-enabled device, you’ve likely noticed a transition to the new AI-driven Alexa+ voice assistant this month, which Amazon has rolled out to all Prime members, regardless of whether they opted into the Early Access program.
Originally announced at CES in early January, Amazon’s decision to extend the new assistant to all Prime subscribers means that if you have a Prime membership, Alexa+ will start appearing on your devices automatically. Although Alexa+ remains in Early Access, it is no longer limited to a waiting list, and users can access its features without needing to pay the $20 monthly fee if they are Prime members.
Amazon’s Forward Push
Alexa+ represents a significant evolution of the original Alexa voice assistant. This new iteration, powered by advanced artificial intelligence, is designed to deliver more conversational responses and better grasp complex inquiries. Furthermore, it has adopted a chatbot-like style that enhances user interaction.
If you own an Echo Show or another display device, you’ll also benefit from Alexa+’s ability to present onscreen conversations in a chat format, similar to how you might interact with a chatbot. One of the most noticeable changes is the updated default voice, often described as having a humorous, youthful tone.
Additional functionalities were introduced at CES, including broader access through Alexa.com, enabling Prime members to reach the assistant via their web browsers. As Amazon attempts to compete more directly with platforms like ChatGPT, this move provides users with integrated AI support across their home devices and web applications.
Amazon has communicated these updates to users via email, notifications in the Alexa app, and messages on Echo devices. In fact, many users have reported that the upgrade to Alexa+ happened without prior consent, which left some, like one WIRED staff member, taken aback by the abrupt change to a new voice style that didn’t suit their preferences.
According to Amazon, the enhanced Alexa+ was made available to expand its user base and to incorporate more Prime members into the experience seamlessly. As part of the upgrade process, Amazon is allowing Prime users to revert to the original Alexa voice if they prefer. While new features are still being rolled out, non-Prime members will eventually need to pay for Alexa+.
How to Switch Back to Original Alexa
For anyone wishing to return to the original experience, switching back is straightforward. Simply instruct your Alexa device by saying, "Alexa, exit Alexa Plus," and it will revert to the former version. Upon reversion, users will lose the chatbot-style interactions, but the core functionalities of the assistant remain unchanged.
Reverting to the old Alexa also means you will stop receiving the new-style responses and onscreen text chats. While the upgraded interface may initially be jarring, reverting won’t drastically change how users interact with the assistant. For those who didn’t request the upgrade, toggling back is still an option through the Alexa app or through voice commands.
Alexa Versus Alexa+
Despite the promise of the old version returning, some users have noted that even the original voice has undergone slight changes in inflection, making it feel different from how it was previously. Although the voice can be changed back to its previous style, transitioning from Alexa+ reintroduces an interface that focuses on a more traditional Alexa experience.
Users have voiced a range of opinions about the new default voice, with many finding it less desirable due to its “teenage” quality. Alexa+ offers a variety of voice options, each specified in the app with a single descriptor, allowing for personalization based on user preference.
In conclusion, Amazon’s strategy to push for Alexa+ adoption indicates a clear intent to evolve its voice assistant into a more sophisticated platform. However, it remains to be seen how this will impact user experiences and whether improvements will be made to fully differentiate Alexa+ from its predecessor. As Amazon works toward a completed version of Alexa+, many users may continue to navigate these changes in search of their preferred assistant experience.
