Amazon has announced the rollout of Alexa+, a next-generation version of its voice assistant powered by generative AI, along with new Echo hardware, Fire TV models, and Ring security devices.
Alexa+ Built on Generative AI
According to Amazon, Alexa+ is designed to be “more conversational, smarter, personalized,” and capable of handling more complex requests than previous versions. The company says the system leverages large language models on Amazon Bedrock and a new “expert” architecture to manage tasks across tens of thousands of devices and services.
Amazon reports that Alexa+ can coordinate multi-step activities—such as booking a repair through Thumbtack—without user supervision. The company also says Alexa+ will allow users to personalize the assistant with family information, preferences, and routines to make responses more context-aware. Alexa+ is included at no cost for Prime members or available for $19.99 per month for non-members.
Ring Security Enhancements
Amazon also announced its first 4K Ring cameras powered by what the company calls Retinal Vision imaging technology. The new products include doorbells, outdoor cameras, and floodlight cameras with enhanced zoom and low-light performance.
In addition, Amazon highlighted several new AI-driven features for Ring devices:
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Alexa+ Greetings, described as a smart door attendant for visitors and deliveries.
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Familiar Faces, which uses recognition technology to reduce alerts triggered by known individuals.
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Search Party, an AI-powered feature that Amazon says will help neighbors locate lost pets using outdoor Ring cameras.
The Ring lineup includes models ranging from the $59.99 Indoor Cam Plus to the $499.99 Wired Doorbell Elite. According to the company, Search Party for dogs will roll out in November, with cats and other pets to follow. Familiar Faces and Alexa+ Greetings are scheduled to be available in December.
New Echo Devices
To support Alexa+, Amazon introduced four new Echo products with custom AZ3 silicon and its Omnisense sensor platform:
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Echo Dot Max ($99.99): Features dual speakers and what Amazon describes as “nearly three times the bass” of the previous generation Echo Dot.
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Echo Studio ($219.99): A smaller redesign of the original Studio with Dolby Atmos and spatial audio support.
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Echo Show 8 ($179.99) and Echo Show 11 ($219.99): Smart displays with improved visuals, proactive sensing, and built-in hubs for Zigbee, Matter, and Thread.
Amazon also announced Alexa Home Theater, which allows up to five Echo speakers to be paired with Fire TV for simplified surround sound systems.
Fire TV Updates
Amazon refreshed its Fire TV lineup with what it calls “smarter discovery through Alexa+.”
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Omni QLED Series (50″–75″, starting at $479.99): Brighter displays, additional local dimming zones, Dolby Vision/HDR10+ Adaptive, and Omnisense-based adaptive color adjustment.
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Fire TV 2-Series and 4-Series (32″–55″, starting at $159.99): Redesigned with slimmer bezels, faster processors, and Omnisense support at lower price points.
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Fire TV Stick 4K Select (under $40): A new entry-level 4K streamer with HDR10+ and Amazon’s new Vega operating system.
Amazon says Alexa+ on Fire TV will allow users to find content through conversational requests, search for specific scenes, receive sports updates, and manage personalized watchlists.
Availability
Amazon says Alexa+ will first be offered through an early access program for Echo Show device owners, before expanding to additional users. The Echo Dot Max and Echo Studio are scheduled to ship October 29, while the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11 will be available November 12.
Ring’s new cameras are available for pre-order now, and the updated Fire TV lineup is also open for pre-order.
Amazon stated that these updates are intended to bring more natural voice interactions, proactive assistance, and personalized experiences across smart home, entertainment, and security categories.
