Amazon's Next-Gen Assistant Lands in Canada with Enhanced Features and Local Flair.
Canada has become the first region outside the US to get its hands on Amazon Alexa+, the company's upgraded digital assistant. The new AI-powered virtual companion promises to revolutionize home entertainment, shopping, and daily routines for Canadians, all while seamlessly integrating with popular local services.
With its advanced natural language processing capabilities, Alexa+ can now understand distinctly Canadian topics such as hockey teams and musicians, making it a more inclusive and culturally-aware AI. For instance, users can say "I'm cold" and the assistant will respond by turning up the heat in their home. Similarly, if they ask for directions, Alexa+ can suggest routes based on traffic conditions.
The new assistant comes with several exciting features that make life easier for Canadians. It's capable of adapting its tone to suit everyone in the household, suggesting meditation sessions after a long day or remembering dietary restrictions when recommending restaurants. Alexa+ also helps users shop by finding items with the best pricing and creating personalized grocery lists based on their preferences.
However, not all is free in this upgraded assistant. During its Early Access phase, Amazon has made Alexa+ available for $28 CAD per month to non-Prime subscribers. Those interested can try it out today by purchasing one of the new Echo Show 8, Echo Show 11, or other compatible devices. After Early Access ends, Prime members will continue to enjoy Alexa+ for free.
The news marks a significant milestone in Amazon's efforts to expand its Alexa ecosystem globally, with Canada serving as a crucial test market for the company's next-generation AI technology.
Canada has become the first region outside the US to get its hands on Amazon Alexa+, the company's upgraded digital assistant. The new AI-powered virtual companion promises to revolutionize home entertainment, shopping, and daily routines for Canadians, all while seamlessly integrating with popular local services.
With its advanced natural language processing capabilities, Alexa+ can now understand distinctly Canadian topics such as hockey teams and musicians, making it a more inclusive and culturally-aware AI. For instance, users can say "I'm cold" and the assistant will respond by turning up the heat in their home. Similarly, if they ask for directions, Alexa+ can suggest routes based on traffic conditions.
The new assistant comes with several exciting features that make life easier for Canadians. It's capable of adapting its tone to suit everyone in the household, suggesting meditation sessions after a long day or remembering dietary restrictions when recommending restaurants. Alexa+ also helps users shop by finding items with the best pricing and creating personalized grocery lists based on their preferences.
However, not all is free in this upgraded assistant. During its Early Access phase, Amazon has made Alexa+ available for $28 CAD per month to non-Prime subscribers. Those interested can try it out today by purchasing one of the new Echo Show 8, Echo Show 11, or other compatible devices. After Early Access ends, Prime members will continue to enjoy Alexa+ for free.
The news marks a significant milestone in Amazon's efforts to expand its Alexa ecosystem globally, with Canada serving as a crucial test market for the company's next-generation AI technology.