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Amazon has outlined the compatibility and features of its new Alexa+ service, which is currently in early access and aims to improve voice assistant interactions across various devices. The upgraded assistant works on a range of Echo smart speakers and displays, as well as select Fire TV streaming devices and Fire tablets, including refurbished and used models. Users can identify their device model through Amazon’s support page for more details.
Most Echo devices support Alexa+, though some older models like the first-generation Echo Dot, Echo, Echo Plus, Amazon Tap, first-generation Echo Show and Echo Spot, and the second-generation Echo Show will stick with the original Alexa. On the Fire TV side, compatibility includes the third-generation Fire TV Cube, second-generation Fire TV Stick 4K Max and 4K, the Omni Mini-LED and QLED series, Fire TV 4-Series and 2-Series, plus specific Panasonic and Hisense models such as the W95, Z85A, Z95A, Z95B, and U6. Fire tablets running Fire OS 8 or later, including the 12th-generation Fire HD 8 and HD 8 Plus, 13th-generation Fire HD 10, and 13th-generation Fire Max 11, also qualify, but Alexa+ remains unavailable in Kids mode on these tablets. For now, the service does not extend to the Amazon Astro robot, though the company plans to broaden support in the future.
Alexa+ launches exclusively in English for United States customers, requiring devices to be set to English (United States) in the language settings, accessible via the Alexa app or directly on the device under Settings, Device Options, and Device Language.
Children cannot access Alexa+ through web browsers at this stage, as child profiles are unsupported in that format. Instead, parents may enable Amazon Kids or set up Voice ID on Kids Edition Echo devices or other compatible Echo models to provide kid-friendly experiences.
On web browsers, interactions with Alexa+ are limited to typing for now, without voice input capabilities. Those preferring voice commands should use compatible Alexa-enabled devices or the Alexa app itself.
The browser version of Alexa+, being in early access, will see features added progressively. Music playback and smart home controls are not yet available on the web, and the service may occasionally misinterpret requests. Amazon encourages users to share feedback by typing I have feedback in the chat interface.
For browser access, Alexa+ is open to existing subscribers and remains free throughout the early access period. Once that phase concludes, it will continue at no extra cost for Amazon Prime members, while non-Prime users can subscribe for 19.99 dollars per month.
