Amazon Launches Early Access Version of Alexa Plus with Some Features Temporarily Unavailable

Amazon has officially launched its AI-driven Alexa Plus service, but it is currently limited to an "early access" phase for only a select group of customers, as confirmed by an Amazon spokesperson to the media. The early access page for Alexa Plus reveals that not all features showcased during Amazon's recent device launch event are included in this initial version.

According to The Washington Post, Alexa Plus is still missing certain functionalities that "have not yet met Amazon’s standards for public release." For instance, it cannot place Grubhub food orders based on conversational context or recognize family members at home to remind them about household chores. Additionally, users do not yet have access to Kids Plus features like "Storytime with Alexa."

Currently, Alexa Plus is compatible only with Echo Show 8, 10, 15, and 21 devices. As outlined on Amazon’s early access page, the assistant can handle tasks such as ordering Uber rides, identifying objects, drafting emails, and searching for specific products.

At launch, Alexa Plus also offers the ability to summarize uploaded documents. However, Amazon notes that the feature allowing users to delete these files is still under development. The company stated, “In the meantime, you can contact customer service at any time to remove the original attachments.”

Amazon announced the Alexa Plus service back in February. This premium offering is priced at $19.99 per month and is available on most Echo devices, though it serves as a free benefit for Prime members. Users can sign up on Amazon’s website to receive notifications for early access to Alexa Plus. An Amazon spokesperson mentioned that new features will be rolled out in phases moving forward.