Alexa Plus Gets an AI Update to Handle More Complicated Instructions
Amazon is updating its Alexa Plus assistant with new AI capabilities that allow it to control smart home devices and handle multi-step tasks, including integrations with several new partners.
Amazon has launched an update to its Alexa Plus assistant that expands its ability to connect with smart home devices. The new feature allows Alexa Plus to communicate with brands such as Bosch, Delta, Ecovacs, iRobot, Yale Home, Whirlpool, Tapo, Eufy, and others, automatically routing requests to the correct device.
For example, a user with a supported washing machine can say, “Alexa, my kid’s soccer jersey could use a deep clean, but the tag says cold wash only.” Alexa Plus would then navigate the washer’s cycle options and choose the correct setting. These integrations are powered by Amazon’s new AI developer toolkit, designed to make it easier for device makers to connect to Alexa Plus, including those with unique capabilities that were not supported before.
Amazon widely launched its revamped AI assistant in February, which can handle multi-step requests and help users create routines using voice. It currently only performs tasks in a limited number of third-party services, such as Ticketmaster, OpenTable, Uber, Thumbtack, Expedia, Yelp, Square, and Angi.
However, Amazon is trying to change this by adopting the Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open-source standard that allows AI models to connect to external systems and tools. This will give more brands the ability to interact with Alexa Plus. Canva, Headspace, Priceline, Lyft, Cengage, Virgin Atlantic, Weekend, and other companies are launching integrations later this year.
For instance, Priceline will enable customers to browse hotel options and book a trip directly through Alexa Plus. Priceline, along with Atom Tickets, Cengage, Fandango, and Taskrabbit, will soon support payments through Amazon Wallet as well.
