Alexa Plus, the latest iteration of Amazon's popular voice assistant, is set to arrive in the coming weeks, bringing with it a host of new features and capabilities powered by generative AI. The new assistant will be available in early access preview, initially limited to users with an Echo Show 8, 10, 15, or 21 smart display, as well as Fire TV devices, Fire tablets, and the web at Alexa.com.

One of the most significant upgrades of Alexa Plus is its ability to understand and respond to natural language, remember users' likes and dislikes, and engage in more conversational interactions. This means users can issue complex commands, such as "Alexa, I'm cold, and it's too dark in here," and the assistant will respond accordingly. Additionally, Alexa Plus can process multiple commands at once, perform more complex tasks like ordering groceries and booking restaurant reservations, and even allow users to add multiple events to their calendar by uploading a photo of their schedule.

However, not all Echo devices will be compatible with Alexa Plus. Early models, including the first-gen Echo Dot, Echo, and Echo Show, will not receive the upgrade. Devices with built-in Alexa, such as Sonos speakers and the Ecobee smart thermostat, are also not currently supported, although Amazon spokesperson Lauren Raemhild hinted that this may change in the future. Users who want to stick with the original Alexa can still do so, at least for now.

To access Alexa Plus, users will need to sign up on Amazon's new Alexa Plus landing page and opt into the new experience. The service will be free during the early access period but will eventually require a $19.99 monthly subscription or an Amazon Prime membership.

A key concern for users is the fate of their favorite skills, which may not be compatible with Alexa Plus initially. According to Amazon, many of the 160,000 skills currently available on the original Alexa will not be available at launch, although the company claims that the "vast majority" of popular skills will be supported from the start. Developers can request to have their skills enabled on Alexa Plus or create new ones using Amazon's new AI-native SDKs.

Despite Amazon's assurances, some developers are skeptical about the transition process, particularly regarding monetization of their skills. The company's shift in focus towards Alexa Plus and its "agentic" capabilities, which allow it to navigate websites and online services for users, may also impact the role of skills in the ecosystem.

The rollout of Alexa Plus marks a significant shift in Amazon's smart home strategy, as the company aims to create a more comprehensive and conversational digital assistant experience. While some users may be disappointed by the lack of support for older devices, the new features and capabilities of Alexa Plus are likely to appeal to those looking for a more advanced voice assistant.