Amazon makes Alexa+ AI assistant available to everyone in the U.S. nearly a year after launch

Alexa+ has been in an “early access” preview since last March, meaning consumers had to join a waitlist or purchase newer devices to use the generative artificial intelligence-powered voice assistant.

Amazon has pitched the service as a souped up version of its 11-year-old Alexa that can handle multiple queries at a time, and serve as an “agent” that takes actions on your behalf, like booking a repairman or an Uber ride.

Starting on Wednesday, Amazon will begin charging users $19.99 a month to access Alexa+. The service remains free for Prime members, and is free for anyone to try via an Alexa+ website and app.

Access to the free Alexa+ experience will be “limited based on use,” Amazon said.

Launched in 2014, the original Alexa wowed users by letting them chat with, and get immediate responses from, a digital assistant by using their voice. Users primarily interacted with Alexa through Amazon’s Echo smart speaker.

With Alexa+, Amazon has put a website and app front and center. Most users interact with chatbots like ChatGPT or Gemini via text or voice on web browsers or smartphone apps.