After
several months of testing in the United States , the
new version of the voice assistant , now powered by generative artificial intelligence, is arriving in beta with a panel of French users.
This is a pivotal moment for Amazon, which aims to fundamentally transform the voice experience within its ecosystem. In the United States, Alexa+ is offered at $19.99 per month, but at a discounted rate for Amazon Prime subscribers.
A similar price may be offered in France , although no details have yet been released.
A new way to interact with Alexa
With Alexa+, Amazon aims to make the experience more like natural conversation . The assistant can now handle ambiguous questions , cross-reference multiple sources such as cameras, connected services, and history, and also take context into account. These improvements are based on an AI model capable of understanding nuances and maintaining a conversational thread , whereas the previous version relied primarily on direct commands.
The assistant also learns over time, such as dietary preferences, allergies, habits, and even useful phone numbers that can be memorized to personalize responses . This is a way to further integrate Alexa+ into daily life, making it more proactive and adaptable.
This evolution also opens the door to richer uses . For example, it is now possible to obtain information from a document, summarize an email, find details in a note or photo, manage a calendar, or even request cultural recommendations based on your recent listening or viewing habits.
An AI version that is still imperfect after its launch in the United States…
While Alexa+ is arriving in France in an advanced version, its launch in the United States has not been without its problems . Last spring, several basic features were missing, even though they had long existed in the older, non-AI version. According to some users, the assistant also suffered from hallucinations and a way of speaking that required an adjustment period.
Feedback from the first wave of users allowed Amazon to adjust the model over the months, although some flaws are still present. The French beta will therefore also serve to refine responses and stabilize Alexa+’s behavior .
A new version… and new services?
The new version of Alexa+ integrates with a long list of services, such as Uber , Spotify , Netflix , Disney+ , as well as booking platforms and ride-hailing services.
In a few months, from ordering food to piloting a journey, via the creation of complete routines by voice, Alexa+ could position itself as a true personal assistant .
Finally, in parallel, and with Black Friday approaching, Amazon is highlighting its Echo devices such as the Echo Dot Max and the Echo Show 8. A clear signal that the company is preparing the ground for a wider rollout in the coming months…