Alexa+ Review: Has Amazon's Subscription-Based AI Assistant Improved the Voice Experience?

It's been over three months since I upgraded to Alexa+, Amazon's latest subscription-based artificial intelligence (AI) assistant. As a long-time user of Alexa, I was eager to see if this new premium version would live up to its promises: making Alexa more natural, proactive, and genuinely helpful.

In this review, we'll dive into my experience with Alexa+, exploring its features, performance, and whether it's worth the added cost compared to the free base model.

What is Alexa+?

Alexa+ is Amazon's premium subscription service that offers a range of benefits, including:

• Ad-free listening: No more pesky ads interrupting your favorite shows or songs.
• Exclusive skills: Access to new and innovative skills that can enhance your smart home experience.
• Personalized recommendations: Get personalized music, video, and podcast suggestions based on your listening habits.
• Priority customer support: Enjoy faster response times and priority assistance from Amazon's support team.

My Experience with Alexa+

Upgrading to Alexa+ was a seamless process. I simply went to the Alexa app, navigated to settings, and selected the "Alexa+" option. The upgrade cost $14.99 per month, which is still relatively affordable considering the added features.

Initially, I was excited to try out some of the exclusive skills that come with Alexa+. I discovered a new skill called "IndieEye," which allows me to watch independent films and documentaries in one go. The skill is easy to use, and the content is high-quality, making it a great addition to my entertainment routine.

Performance and Responsiveness

One of the main benefits of Alexa+ is its improved performance and responsiveness. With the base model, I often found myself waiting for Alexa to respond to simple questions or commands. However, with Alexa+, my device responds almost instantly, which is a huge improvement in user experience.

I also noticed that Alexa+ is more proactive than the base model. For example, when I'm listening to music on Amazon Music, Alexa+ will occasionally suggest related playlists or artists based on my listening history. This feature is not only convenient but also helps me discover new music and artists.

Skills and Integration

Another area where Alexa+ excels is in its skills and integration with other devices. With the base model, I often found myself searching for specific skills to perform tasks like controlling smart home devices or playing games. However, with Alexa+, these tasks become seamless and intuitive.

For instance, I can now easily control my Philips Hue lights using the "Philips Hue" skill without having to search for it separately. Similarly, I can play games like "20 Questions" with Alexa+ seamlessly integrated into the app.

Music and Video Recommendations

One of the features that really impressed me is the personalized music and video recommendations from Alexa+. The service offers a wide range of genres, playlists, and artists based on my listening history. I've discovered new music and artists that I wouldn't have found otherwise, which has significantly improved my entertainment experience.

Similarly, the video recommendations are spot on. I recently watched an excellent documentary series using the "IndieEye" skill, which was highly recommended by Alexa+. The content is high-quality, engaging, and informative, making it a great addition to my streaming routine.

Verdict

Upgrading to Alexa+ has been a game-changer for me. While the base model was sufficient for basic tasks, the premium features and benefits of Alexa+ have significantly improved my overall user experience.

The added cost is still relatively affordable, especially considering the exclusive skills, personalized recommendations, and priority customer support that come with the subscription.

Recommendation

If you're a heavy Alexa user or want to take your smart home experience to the next level, I highly recommend upgrading to Alexa+. The benefits are well worth the added cost, and the features and performance improvements make it a worthwhile investment.

However, if you're on a tight budget or don't need the premium features, sticking with the base model is still a great option. Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Alexa+ has exceeded my expectations in many ways. The upgraded features, improved performance, and personalized recommendations have significantly enhanced my smart home experience.

If you're looking to take your Alexa experience to the next level, consider upgrading to Alexa+. It's a worthwhile investment that will make your voice assistant more natural, proactive, and genuinely helpful.