How To Get Alexa+ Now And Supercharge Your Voice Assistant

Amazon has revealed that more than a million people have now got access to Alexa+, the next-gen version of Amazon’s digital assistant, and the word is that the roll-out is now ramping up.

However, in order to get involved with the Alexa+ action, you’ll need to make sure you’ve ticked a few boxes first.

The good news is that, if you have the right device – and you live in the US – you don’t really need to do much, but here’s a handy checklist to make sure that you’re all set to get that all important invite to the Alexa+ party.

Check your Echo device

Early Access to Alexa+ is currently rolling out to users with one of the following Echo Show models (all generations):

• Echo Show 8
• Echo Show 10
• Echo Show 15
• Echo Show 21

If you own or buy one of these, you’ll be eligible to get Alexa+ first. And you don’t need to do anything extra.

If you own other Echo smart speakers, such as the Pop, Dot or Spot, then Alexa+ will also make its way to those as well, once you’ve opted in on one of the Show models listed above.

There are a few ancient Echo devices that Alexa+ won’t work on though, including the likes of the 1st-gen Echo, Dot and Spot.

Keep an eye out for your invite

If you’re selected, you’ll get a notification via email and on your Echo device. You can’t request access directly… Amazon is controlling the rollout on its end.

That said, you can sign up to be notified and check your status right here.

Looking at some of the comments over on Reddit of people that have Early Access, there doesn’t appear to be anything you can do to put yourself to the front of the queue, so just stay tuned to your inbox for that invite.

Having Prime membership might help, but Amazon doesn’t actually say that it’s needed at this point to get Early Access.

One thing you can check though is that you’ve got your Echo’s language set to “English United States”… that’s a must.

Start using Alexa+

Once invited, you’ll need to opt in. You can do that via:

• A “Finish setup” card on your Echo Show screen
• Saying “Alexa, help me get started”
• Through the Alexa app

Only the main Amazon account holder can initiate the setup. After that, all user profiles in your household will have access.

How much is Early Access?

During Early Access, Alexa+ is free for everyone. After that:

• Prime members will get Alexa+ as part of their membership
• Non-Prime members can subscribe for $19.99/month

Compatible devices

As mentioned, once you’re in, Alexa+ will work on most Echo speakers, Fire TV devices (like Fire TV Cube and 4K Max), newer Fire tablets, and even on the Alexa app or your web browser.

Just don’t expect it on older devices like the first-gen Echo Dot or the original Echo Show.

Does it work with Alexa Kids?

Alexa+ works with Amazon Kids+ so your kids can use it too. You’ll just need to set up a child profile with parental consent.

What about if Alexa+ is rubbish?

Alexa+ is likely to be a bit hit and miss for now, and there’s a chance you might want to go back to the old Alexa.

If that is the case then you can. Opting in to Alexa+ doesn’t mean you have to stick with it.

It’s not entirely clear how you’d roll-back but Amazon states: “We’re positive you’ll love all that Alexa+ has to offer – greater intelligence, more conversation and a striking array of new, proactive capabilities. However, if you prefer using the original Alexa, it will remain available on your devices.”