Alexa has been helping Australians get through the day for years. Whether it’s checking the weather before heading out, settling an argument over dinner, reminding the kids to take their library books, or playing your favourite playlist while you cook, it’s become part of millions of households.
Now, Amazon is introducing Alexa+, its biggest AI upgrade yet. Built on advanced large language models through Amazon Bedrock, Alexa+ is designed to move beyond simple voice commands and become a more capable AI assistant that can understand natural conversations, remember your preferences and complete tasks on your behalf.
Australians now interact with Alexa more than two billion times every year, managing everything from weather updates to smart home devices and everyday questions.
I’ve had an Echo in my kitchen for years. It’s where I set timers while cooking, ask for the weather before the kids get dressed, set alarms and reminders, and it also doubles as my Matter smart home hub. It’s one of those devices you don’t think much about until it’s not there.
That means it can do far more than answer questions. Alexa+ can book restaurant reservations, manage shopping lists, recommend gifts, coordinate calendars, control compatible smart home devices and continue conversations across Echo devices, your phone and, soon, a web browser.
Amazon has also localised Alexa+ for Australian users, teaching it to understand local slang, accents, sporting culture and everyday expressions. It can recognise different members of your household through voice and visual ID, remember routines and preferences, and proactively help with everyday tasks like turning on the air conditioning before you arrive home or suggesting meals based on your family’s dietary preferences.
Alexa+ begins rolling out in Australia today through an Early Access program. Existing customers with eligible Echo devices can register their interest, while anyone purchasing a compatible new Echo device can opt in immediately. Amazon says it will invite thousands of Australians over the coming weeks, with more than 98 per cent of existing Alexa users already owning compatible hardware.
During Early Access, Alexa+ will be free for eligible customers. Once the rollout is complete, it will become a standard Amazon Prime benefit in Australia at no additional cost. If you don’t have a Prime subscription, Alexa+ will cost A$29.99 per month.
