Alexa+ Review: First Impressions of Amazon's AI Assistant

Rebuilding a Smart Home: Reassessing Alexa's Role

Previously, my household was heavily invested in the Alexa ecosystem. Numerous Amazon Echo devices were present throughout my previous residence, including an Echo Plus, several Echo Dots, an Echo Spot, and an Echo Show.

A Fire TV was utilized in the bedroom, and a Fire HD tablet, infrequently used, was stored away.

A Fresh Start After Loss

The unfortunate loss of our home in a fire in March 2024 presented an unexpected opportunity. We are now in the process of rebuilding and can design a more contemporary smart home from the ground up.

However, it’s crucial to determine if Alexa remains the optimal central hub for our connected devices.

Evaluating Alexa's Current Capabilities

To ascertain whether Alexa continues to be the leading smart assistant for my family’s needs, a comprehensive evaluation is underway.

This will involve rigorous testing of Amazon’s AI-driven devices and exploration of advanced AI-based queries.

My findings will be documented in a series of articles.

Focus on Real-World Performance

The intention of this series is to provide consumers with practical insights into Alexa’s performance in everyday scenarios.

The assessments will move beyond staged company demonstrations to reflect genuine user experiences.

I aim to deliver an unbiased perspective on the strengths and weaknesses of the Alexa platform.

Alexa's Evolution: A Necessary Update

Amazon's voice assistant, once considered groundbreaking with its ability to control smart home functions and fulfill simple requests, now faces competition in the age of advanced AI. The emergence of sophisticated chatbots like ChatGPT has raised user expectations for AI interactions.

These modern AI systems excel not only in responding to queries but also in demonstrating creativity, logical reasoning, and content generation – including images, artwork, and videos. Furthermore, agentic AI capabilities enable these systems to autonomously execute tasks online.

In February 2025, Amazon unveiled a significant overhaul of its digital assistant, introducing Alexa+, powered by generative AI. This upgraded service began a phased rollout to customers in March and is currently accessible to a substantial user base, according to Amazon.

A key feature of Alexa+ is its model-agnostic design. This allows the assistant to dynamically select the most appropriate AI model for each specific query or task. Currently, Alexa+ utilizes models from both Anthropic and Amazon Nova, among others.

Expanding Capabilities Beyond the Basics

Amazon emphasized that the enhanced Alexa is designed to move beyond traditional functions like timer setting, smart device control, and basic question answering. It now leverages generative AI to interpret data from Amazon user accounts, including schedules and personal preferences.

This allows Alexa+ to exhibit improved memory, process digital files, and even provide summaries of footage from Ring security cameras.

Amazon is collaborating with various partners to enable Alexa+ to perform actions on behalf of users. This includes facilitating bookings for dinner reservations, Uber rides, and concert tickets.

Integration with Amazon’s grocery services is also planned, allowing users to create shopping lists through voice commands and subsequently have those items delivered. The ultimate goal is to integrate agentic AI directly into the home environment.

Initial Testing and Future Exploration

Before delving into these advanced features, a foundational assessment of Alexa+'s core functionalities is necessary.

This series will begin with the setup of Alexa+, an exploration of the accompanying application, and a series of inquiries designed to showcase the unique capabilities of the new Alexa+ system. Subsequent testing will focus on the agentic AI features and integration with smart home devices.

Setting up Alexa+ on an Echo Spot

Device: Echo Spot
Default music service: Spotify (Premium)

Prior to relocating to a new residence, I evaluated Alexa+ on a recently acquired Echo Spot following acceptance into the beta program. As I hadn't yet connected smart home devices in the Airbnb serving as temporary housing for over a year, I initially focused on assessing the device’s artificial intelligence capabilities.

My primary objective was to determine the true intelligence and utility of Alexa+, and to verify if it could perform as Amazon had advertised.

The Spot’s setup process proved simpler than with previous devices; now, only a QR code scan is needed to initiate the process within the Alexa application. The application automatically connected to the home’s Wi-Fi network, eliminating the previous need to switch between the device’s network and the user’s own.

The subsequent screen allowed me to accept an invitation to upgrade to the new Alexa+ service at no cost, with the understanding that reverting to the original Alexa service remains possible should issues arise.

The onboarding experience included a brief video explaining that Alexa’s learning process is continuous with user interaction, and provided guidance on how to communicate with Alexa. I then connected my Google account, granting Alexa access to my inbox and calendar.

Surprisingly, I was directed to a blank page after this step, but closing the window revealed a message confirming my “Account Linked.” (Please note: I am utilizing the iOS 26 developer beta on my iPhone, which may be a contributing factor.)

The following screen presented a selection of services compatible with Alexa+, including OpenTable, Ticketmaster, Uber, and Thumbtack. I selected all options and then proceeded to grant the necessary permissions individually.

While somewhat time-consuming – and potentially more so as additional services are integrated – I appreciated the sense of control over data sharing and the ability to review each service’s requests before granting access.

The next screen verified that Fodor’s travel planning service was already integrated with Alexa+, without requiring any permissions. It also indicated that services like Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Vagaro would be added in the future.

The Alexa application’s user interface design remains a significant area for improvement. Despite numerous updates, the app still feels simultaneously simplistic and cluttered. It lacks vibrant colors and conventional mobile app navigation, attempting to display too many “things to do” on the home screen.

Locating essential initial steps, such as linking a preferred music service, is surprisingly difficult to find within the interface. It’s not located under your profile icon, Settings, and then scrolling down to “Preferred service providers.” That section is reserved for News, Calendar, and Email providers, but not Music.

Instead, tapping the hamburger menu at the screen’s bottom is required. From there, selecting the “Music & More” screen is necessary. (The meaning of “More” remains unclear – does it refer to Podcasts or Audiobooks?)

I designated Spotify as my default music service, the preferred choice for artists, genre stations, and podcasts. However, no option was available to set a default audiobook service.

Within this section, a list of previously linked services with Alexa was displayed. Amazon’s Audible – which I would have preferred to set as the default for audiobooks – was listed alongside other streaming platforms like Pandora, Amazon Music, and Apple Music. However, tapping on Audible resulted in an error message stating, “You’ve reached the end of Alexa’s knowledge. Just kidding. This skill no longer exists. Click here to go back.”

This is rather perplexing. Wouldn’t it be logical to simply remove the non-functional element that is no longer available?

Regardless, my focus remains on evaluating Alexa+, not criticizing a poorly designed mobile application.

I will address the audiobook issue at a later time.

Note for this series:

During these tests, I may have shared personal information with Alexa that will not be published. In such instances, a description of the item – such as “child’s school” – will be included in brackets. I have also slightly altered some dates, times, and numbers to further protect any personal information that could potentially reveal details about my accounts, meetings, or household routines.

Managing Family Schedules with Alexa+

Many families, particularly those with children, rely on a shared calendar to organize a multitude of commitments. These can include school activities, medical appointments, daily errands, work meetings, and various classes.

Our family utilizes Google Calendar for this purpose, accessing it through the Google Calendar application on our smartphones and the Fantastical application on our Mac computers.

Amazon promotes Alexa+ as a tool capable of providing daily schedule summaries, facilitating the addition of new events, and identifying potential scheduling conflicts.

During testing, Alexa demonstrated a reasonable ability to respond to inquiries regarding scheduled events. However, an interruption occurred when attempting to add a new appointment.

Specifically, when initiating the command, “Can you add a meeting to my calendar on August 6 at 2 p.m. with [entity] about—”, Alexa immediately interjected, requesting a title for the meeting.

While somewhat frustrating, this interruption wasn’t a critical issue.

Asking questions such as “What’s on my calendar today?” proved more seamless. Follow-up questions, like inquiries about later-week meetings or appointment repetitions, were handled without requiring repeated activation phrases.

The conversational flow felt relatively natural, although occasional slight delays were noticeable in Alexa’s responses.

Note: A discrepancy was found regarding the location of voice chat history. Alexa incorrectly directed me to the app’s Settings under “More” and then “Alexa Privacy” or “Review Voice History”.

The correct location for accessing this history is the “Recent Chats” link found directly on the app’s home screen. Accurate self-awareness is crucial for a virtual assistant!

Alexa's Memory Capabilities: A Test

One of the advertised features of Alexa+ is its ability to retain information for the user. A test was conducted to evaluate this functionality, specifically focusing on storing a frequent flier number.

The initial attempt to utilize this feature proved unsuccessful and somewhat perplexing.

The Interaction

User: Alexa, is it possible for you to memorize my Delta SkyMiles number?

Alexa: Affirmative, I can certainly store your Delta SkyMiles number. Please provide the number.

User: [Prepares to state the number]

Alexa: The information has been added to the 'Remember This' section within the Alexa privacy settings of the application. It's important to note that anyone with access to your Alexa devices can verbally request and receive this information.

This response was unexpected and raised privacy concerns.

A second attempt was made to clarify the process.

User: Alexa, can you remember my SkyMiles number?

Alexa: Absolutely! I am happy to store your SkyMiles number. What is the number? It is now saved.

The speed of the response was notably quick.

To verify the storage, a direct query was posed.

User: Alexa, what is my SkyMiles number?

Alexa: “I do not currently have your SkyMiles number saved. Would you like to provide it now?”

The system appeared to have forgotten the previously entered information.

Repeating the Process

User: Yes.

Alexa: Please proceed with stating your Delta SkyMiles number.

User: [Recites the eight-digit number]

Alexa: The number has been saved.

User: What is my SkyMiles number?

Alexa: “Six hundred fifty-two million, four hundred eighty-six thousand…”

(Please note: The actual number has been altered for privacy reasons. However, Alexa vocalized the digits as a lengthy numerical expression rather than a simple sequence like 6-5-2-4-8-6, which proved unhelpful.)

Alexa's New Email Handling Capability

The Alexa digital assistant now possesses the ability to process documents uploaded through the Alexa application or sent to alexa@alexa.com, utilizing the email address linked to your Amazon account.

I decided to test this functionality by forwarding an email received from my child’s school. These communications are often rich in valuable details, yet can easily become overlooked within a crowded inbox. Successfully utilizing Alexa for this task might necessitate a revised Gmail filtering strategy.

Me: Alexa, provide a summary of the most recent email from the school.

Alexa: The latest email originating from [my child’s school] serves as a welcome message for the 2025-2026 academic year. It announces an “Early Start Day” orientation scheduled for August [date] specifically for incoming students, accompanied by an informational session for new parents on the same evening. The commencement of regular classes is set for August [date].

Me: Did the email contain any information pertaining specifically to [grade]?

Alexa: I was unable to identify any details specifically addressing [grade] within that email. The communication primarily focuses on general school information, orientation schedules, and key deadlines applicable to all students.

The initial results appeared promising. However, subsequent interactions revealed some limitations.

Me: Are there any significant dates that I should input into my calendar?

Alexa: *reiterates the important dates previously mentioned*

Me: Could you please add those dates to my calendar?

Alexa: (Appearing to have misinterpreted my request?) Accessing your calendar. Sarah, your calendar currently indicates a busy schedule. You have [activity] scheduled until August 16th, and also [activity]. On Thursday—

Me: (interrupting) My intention was to request that you add the dates from the email to my calendar.

Alexa: Understood, I will proceed with that action. (Pause) I have now added the following dates to your calendar:

• Course Correction Request Period, running from August [date] to August [date]
• New Student Orientation Early Start Day on August [date, time]
• First Day of School on August [date]

Would you like me to add any further dates?

Although this process demonstrates potential efficiency and offers assistance when needed, it’s important to note that I allowed Alexa to independently determine which dates were considered “important.” Consequently, she selected the three dates nearest to the current date. The original email, however, included a comprehensive list of 12 crucial school dates, encompassing events such as Meet the Teacher Night, Open House, and Midyear Graduation.

These dates were all presented in a uniform format within the email, under the heading “Important Dates.” If I had solely depended on Alexa’s interpretation and had not personally reviewed the email, I would have missed a significant portion of this information.

This outcome is concerning.

Alexa’s Potential for Savings: A Test

A key feature promised with Alexa+ is the ability to monitor Amazon prices, potentially leading to savings during sales events. Given a penchant for online shopping, this functionality was put to the test.

The experiment involved price tracking for a skincare product and a designer handbag – items considered desirable but non-essential, where a price reduction could incentivize a purchase.

The initial request focused on the Glow Recipe Plum Plumping Serum.

User: Alexa, please notify me when the Glow Recipe Plum Plumping and Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Skin Care Serum is discounted.

Alexa: Processing… A deal tracker has been established for the Glow Recipe Plum Plumping Serum. You will be alerted to any price drops.

User: What is the current price?

Alexa: No response.

User: Did you understand my question?

Alexa: Verifying… Yes, I did. A deal tracker for the Glow Recipe Plum Plumping Serum is already active. A notification will be sent upon any sale.

User: What is the price right now?

Alexa: No response.

The system’s inability to provide the current price was immediately apparent, suggesting a delay or limitation in accessing real-time pricing data.

The test then shifted to the Coach Swinger handbag.

User: Alexa, inform me when the Coach Swinger handbag is offered at a reduced price.

Alexa: Acknowledged. I am checking… Confirmed! A deal tracker has been created for the Coach Swinger handbag. You will receive a notification when it goes on sale.

User: Is it currently unavailable in blue?

Alexa: No response.

User: Regarding the handbag I just inquired about, is the blue color option out of stock? (It was, according to Amazon’s website at the time.)

Alexa: Let me investigate. (Extended pause) I have located the Coach Swinger handbag. Currently, it is available in black. The blue variant does not appear in the search results, potentially indicating it is out of stock. Would you like further information on the available colors?

User: No, thank you.

Despite the product page on the web displaying the blue option as “temporarily out of stock,” Alexa only mentioned the black color. This discrepancy highlights a potential limitation in the assistant’s ability to accurately reflect the complete product availability information. The functionality proved to be somewhat incomplete.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of the sale notifications remains to be seen.

Initial Performance Assessment

The initial evaluations of Alexa+ suggest it is currently functioning much like a product in its beta phase. While demonstrating effort, the AI occasionally exhibits inaccuracies and a lack of comprehensive responses.

There are instances where the system appears unresponsive or unable to process requests effectively.

Considering that a significant portion of these functionalities are native and do not necessitate external integrations, questions arise regarding Alexa+'s capacity to successfully navigate the internet and execute tasks on behalf of the user.

Future Testing Plans

Further investigation into the capabilities of this AI is planned. The subsequent part of this series will focus on evaluating the agentic AI features offered by Alexa+.

Testing will involve more complex scenarios to determine the AI’s ability to autonomously perform actions and manage tasks.