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After a successful Devices and Services event that delivered a new Alexa+, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy gave an interview saying the company's new devices will launch this fall.
Amazon's late February event featured the launch of Alexa+, a generative AI-powered version of the company's virtual assistant that had been delayed for about a year. The new Alexa will be able to hold more natural conversations and allow interactions that are more similar to those with an AI chatbot, like ChatGPT and Gemini, than what you may be used to.
Also: 7 exciting AI features coming with Alexa+ (and what Amazon devices support it)
After demonstrating most of Alexa+'s new capabilities, Amazon announced that the reimagined smart assistant will launch over the coming weeks. Certain devices, like the Echo Show 8, 10, 15, and 21, will be prioritized. However, Jassy said on Bloomberg Television that Amazon will release Alexa+ companion devices in the fall.
Although the larger Echo Show devices will be the first to gain access to Alexa+, once you have the new voice assistant, you can use it across all your Alexa devices, with the exception of some older models. This means that if you have an Echo Show 8 that gets Alexa+, you can also use the generative AI-powered Alexa+ on your compatible Fire TV, Echo speakers, and Fire tablets.
The Echo Dot 1st Gen, Echo 1st Gen, Echo Plus 1st Gen, Amazon Tap, Echo Show 1st Gen, Echo Show 2nd Gen, and Echo Spot 1st Gen will not support Alexa+, though they will still support the classic Alexa.
Amazon typically launches most of its new devices in the fall. Despite having skipped its 2024 Devices and Services event, the company still released several new devices from October through December of 2024, including the largest Echo Show ever -- a 21-inch model. Amazon also released a new Echo Show 15, the Kindle Colorsoft (its first-ever color Kindle), a new Kindle Scribe, a Fire TV Stick HD, and a new Fire HD 8 tablet.
The summer of 2024 also saw the launch of the Echo Spot, a new smart speaker with a small screen that revives the clock radio.
Also: The best Alexa devices: Expert tested and recommended
While this is already a full lineup of devices, some expected that Amazon would launch some new hardware during February's Alexa event. Amazon has some older Echo speakers that could do with an upgrade, like the Amazon Echo and Echo Dot. Also, the rumor was that Amazon might launch a new smart display designed to take advantage of the new generative AI-powered Alexa, but it showcased the newest Echo Show 21 instead.
The new Alexa+ will cost $20 a month but will be included in the Amazon Prime membership, which is $15 monthly or $139 yearly.
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