Alexa has a new home online
The Alexa.com website appears to be live for some users. The browser-based home for Alexa Plus, the company’s revamped digital voice assistant, was first announced at the Alexa Plus launch event in February.
But until recently, Alexa.com redirected to an information page. Now, some users, myself included, are seeing a new Alexa Plus web interface. Today, when I typed Alexa.com into my web browser, it took me to a page that resembled the Alexa Plus chatbot in the Alexa app. I went through a few setup steps, then arrived at a large blue/white screen with a big “Hello Jen, how can I help?” prompt above a text box. The box has the option to upload a file, and there are links to drop-down menus below: Plan, Learn, Create, Shop, and Find. The menus include prebuilt prompts that take you into the chatbot interface, such as “Plan for my next getaway,” “Create a study guide for my exam,” “Shop trending products,” and “Book a table for a restaurant.” At the bottom of the chatbot, in small type, is the warning: “Alexa may not always get it right.” A toolbar on the left has shortcuts to recent chats , access to controls for my smart home , my calendar, my Alexa lists, reminders, and tasks, plus a files section. The last one lets you access any files or photos you’ve uploaded to Alexa Plus, as well as the emails you’ve sent to it — all features that arrived with the new assistant. Many of these are things Alexa Plus can do on its Echo devices and in the app — only here you can interact more easily via a keyboard and a bigger screen. I’ve not spent much time playing with the web interface, but I’m all for an easier way to interact with Alexa Plus and Alexa features when I don’t want to use voice. I can already see that it will be a big upgrade over using the app, which is still very clunky. I often used the previous Alexa web interface, which Amazon discontinued in 2022, and have missed its functionality . It’s clear that the web interface is a move to make Alexa Plus more integrated into its users’ daily workflow. Being able to control my smart home devices and add items to my shopping list with a couple of clicks at my desk will be useful. But this is also Amazon’s first big move to make Alexa Plus an AI assistant you use everywhere, not just in the home. One that competes with ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. From what I’ve seen so far, it looks like a good start. Access to Alexa.com appears to be in a limited rollout, and you need to have Alexa Plus, which is still in an Early Access program. It requires a Prime Membership, and Amazon has said it will also be available via a $19.99-a-month subscription. Screenshots by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy / The Verge
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘Users Must Choose’—Microsoft Confirms New Windows Security FeatureMicrosoft has made security changes to one of the most popular tools bundled with Windows installations, and now users must choose safety or risk.
Read more »
New users can get half off one of our favorite budgeting apps right nowFind the latest technology news and expert tech product reviews. Learn about the latest gadgets and consumer tech products for entertainment, gaming, lifestyle and more.
Read more »
GOP Rep. says ACA subsidy users shouldn't 'pay the price for congressional inaction'Republican Rep. Kevin Kiley of California says a health care proposal from House Speaker Mike Johnson — which is expected to get a vote this week — was 'hastily thrown together.'
Read more »
Warning: Apple’s iOS 26.2 Update Is Quietly Changing A Key iPhone Feature For Some UsersThe latest iPhone update is here, and it’s already proving controversial, with some users finding an unrequested change being made. Here’s what to do.
Read more »
Users Are Sharing This Hack For Combatting iPhone Update Battery DrainKatherine Speller is the senior editor, family and relationships at HuffPost. She's passionate about reproductive healthcare, shame-free and pleasure-focused sex education and telling inclusive, empathetic and science-backed stories that meet people where they're at.
Read more »
Billy Joel’s Carnegie Hall Tribute to Feature Rob Thomas, Pat Monahan, and Rufus WainwrightRob Thomas, Alexa Ray Joel, Pat Monahan, Gavin DeGraw, and Rufus Wainwright are coming together to honor Billy Joel at New York's Carnegie Hall.
Read more »