Amazon reports that Alexa+ is compatible with 97% of its devices

Amazon Highlights Alexa+ Strategy at CES

At the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Amazon provided further details on how it intends to position its AI platform, Alexa+, in the competitive tech landscape. The company aims to capitalize on the widespread presence of its devices in households and the strong brand recognition of Alexa among consumers.

Daniel Rausch, Vice President of Alexa and Echo at Amazon, shared during a CES interview that “97% of all devices we’ve ever shipped are compatible with Alexa+.” He revealed that Amazon has sold over 600 million devices to date, with the majority ready to support the enhanced AI assistant, Alexa+.

Alexa+, first introduced early last year, represents Amazon’s next step in generative AI. The upgraded assistant features more natural-sounding voices, broad access to global information, and the ability to perform tasks for users—such as booking rides or placing food orders. Since its launch, the rollout has expanded steadily, with over a million users accessing Alexa+ by last June and now “tens of millions” eligible to upgrade to the new AI assistant.

While Amazon has not announced a universal release date for Alexa+, the initial focus is on making the AI available to all Prime members.

Building on Alexa’s Existing Strengths

Beyond simply making Alexa+ widely accessible, Amazon faces the challenge of encouraging users to actively engage with its AI. Rausch believes that Alexa’s established presence in homes will be a key advantage.

He commented, “Customers will have access to a variety of AI assistants, but Alexa is positioned to be one of the core, highly capable options.” While specialized AIs will continue to exist for niche purposes, Rausch sees Alexa as one of the few essential, versatile assistants in the market.

He further emphasized, “Alexa’s strengths lie in its familiarity and the millions of users who interact with it regularly. Its seamless integration into the home, always available and accessible by voice, gives us a unique opportunity to expand.”

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Alexa+ in a Competitive AI Landscape

Amazon’s ambitions for Alexa+ come as Apple partners with Google’s Gemini to enhance Siri, and as other AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Claude compete in areas such as research, healthcare, and software development.

Just before CES, Amazon introduced a web-based version of Alexa and unveiled a redesigned app featuring a chatbot-style interface. At the event, partners including Samsung, BMW, and Oura demonstrated their latest Alexa integrations.

Expanding with Bee: Amazon’s AI Wearable

Amazon also highlighted its recent acquisition of Bee, a wearable AI device that allows users to record conversations and receive insights. Bee supports both text and voice interactions, offering a new way for customers to engage with AI.

Looking ahead, Rausch mentioned that Alexa and Bee will become more closely connected, though Bee will continue to operate as a distinct and valuable brand, describing it as “an important and delightful experience.”