New Alexa+ Launch Falls Short: Essential Features Delayed and User Experience Limited

One thing you can reliably expect from AI tools is their tendency to launch with fewer features than advertised. This was the case with Apple Intelligence and also with Galaxy AI. Now, a similar situation is unfolding with Alexa+, the AI-enhanced version of Amazon’s virtual assistant. While the service is officially released, it lacks many functionalities, as reported by The Washington Post.

The publication examined several internal documents from the company that indicated numerous feature delays. These documents imply that many functions will not be available for two months or more. Users of Alexa+ cannot use the platform for ordering takeout via Grubhub or using the camera to recognize family members for chore reminders.

The same applies to the interesting feature touted by the company for automatically generating stories to entertain children. Moreover, Alexa+ lacks the capability to help with brainstorming gift ideas or ordering groceries. There is also no browser-based version offered. The company attributes these delays to the features not meeting «Amazon’s standards for public release.»

So what are the current capabilities of Alexa+? I haven’t had an opportunity to explore it yet, but the early access page indicates that users can request an Uber, identify objects, and write emails. That’s a start, I suppose.

Alexa+ comes as part of Amazon Prime, while non-members must pay $20 monthly. It may not be accessible to everyone yet, as its availability is gradually rolling out in the upcoming weeks and months. Additionally, it is only functional on devices with screens, such as the Echo Show 8, 10, 15, and 21.