Amazon’s Alexa Plus: New Subscription Service and Over-1000 Commands
**Amazon has rolled out a subscription-based Alexa Plus plan that adds new voice-command capabilities to its already-popular smart-assistant ecosystem. The service, announced on May 10, brings a range of fresh features, including a new “Alexa Plus” voice-command tier, a catalog of 1,000+ voice-commands, and a subscription fee of $4.99 per month.
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What Alexa Plus Offers
Amazon’s Alexa Plus subscription adds a new set of voice commands that are not available on the free tier. The service is designed to provide users with more convenience and flexibility when managing everyday tasks.
- Voice-Command Catalog* – Users can ask Alexa to “Call Mom,” “Send a text,” or “Buy a new phone”.
- Premium Skills – The service enables a number of third-party skills that let users order from Uber, Lyft, and other services.
- Enhanced Shopping – Subscribers can reorder items, track packages, and receive notifications on their Echo devices.
Amazon says the subscription is available on all Alexa-enabled devices.
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The Cost of Alexa Plus
Amazon charges $4.99 per month for the Alexa Plus plan. The cost is billed automatically through the Amazon account that owns the Echo device.
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How to Sign Up for Alexa Plus
To activate Alexa Plus, users must open the Alexa app and navigate to Settings > Alexa Plus. From there, they can toggle the service on and start using the new commands.
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Using Alexa Plus Commands
Below are some common commands that are available to Alexa Plus subscribers:
| Command | Function |
|---|---|
| “Alexa, call Mom” | Places a voice call to the contact named Mom |
| “Alexa, send a text” | Sends a text message to a selected contact |
| “Alexa, order an Uber” | Requests a ride from the Uber skill |
| “Alexa, buy a new phone” | Adds a phone to the Amazon cart |
| “Alexa, track my package” | Provides the status of the user’s Amazon order |
These commands are just a sample of the over-1000 voice commands that Alexa Plus offers.
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The Future of Alexa Plus
Amazon has stated that the service will continue to evolve, adding more voice-commands and premium skills. The company also plans to integrate Alexa Plus with its smart-home ecosystem, allowing users to control lights, thermostats, and more.
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How Alexa Plus Fits Into Amazon’s Strategy
Amazon’s subscription model for Alexa aligns with its broader strategy of turning its devices into a hub for everyday services. By charging a monthly fee for premium voice commands, the company can generate recurring revenue while keeping the core Alexa experience free.
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Getting the Most Out of Alexa Plus
To maximize the value of Alexa Plus, users should:
- Enable the new skills – Ask Alexa to “open Uber” or “open Lyft” to activate the skills.
- Set up notifications – Turn on shopping notifications so your Echo speakers light up yellow when new updates arrive.
- Use the smart-home commands – Tell Alexa to “turn on Movie Time” or “lock the back door”.
With these features, Alexa Plus aims to make the Echo device a more powerful tool for managing daily life.
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Bottom Line
Amazon’s Alexa Plus subscription expands the already-rich voice-command library of Alexa. For a modest monthly fee, users gain access to a growing catalog of commands that help them control their devices, place orders, and stay connected. If you’re looking to get more out of your Echo, the $4.99 per month price point is a small price to pay for the convenience.
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