Amazon’s Alexa gets smarter: Alexa+ launches in Australia today
Amazon has launched Alexa+ in Australia, a subscription-based service that integrates generative AI into Echo smart speakers. The system allows for more natural, conversational interactions and the ability to perform complex tasks like booking reservations.
Why it matters
This marks a significant shift in consumer AI, moving from simple command-response interactions to more autonomous, agentic personal assistant capabilities.
shares Share article After launching in Australia eight years ago, Amazon’s Alexa smart speaker assistant is getting a big upgrade from today with the local launch of their latest Alexa+ system, bringing generative AI conversations to your Amazon Echo smart speaker.
Available today via early access to people who purchase a new Echo device and rolling out to compatible existing speakers over the weeks ahead, Alexa+ is a subscription service aimed at giving you more from your speaker in the way you might expect a real personal assistant to behave.
Alexa+ begins its rollout on Australian devices today. Amazon
Rather than being a speaker that listens out for the “wake word” which in this case is “Alexa”, and then responding to whatever single question you have, Alexa+ follows the wake word with a conversation, allowing a bit of back and forth between you and the speaker should it be required.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in