Amazon Alexa Plus AI Update Enables Multi-Device Smart Home Commands Across Brands
Summarized by AI from reporting by The Verge AI, published under our editorial policy.
Amazon's Alexa Plus is getting an AI update that allows it to connect with more smart home devices from brands like Bosch, Whirlpool, and iRobot. The update, currently in preview, enables complex multi-step voice commands across different manufacturers.
Key takeaways
- Amazon's Alexa Plus AI update allows it to connect with more smart home devices from brands like Bosch, Whirlpool, and iRobot.
- The update enables Alexa Plus to handle complex, multi-step voice commands across devices from different manufacturers.
- Users can now control multiple devices with a single voice instruction, such as turning on lights, adjusting the thermostat, and starting a robot vacuum simultaneously.
Amazon has announced an AI update for its Alexa Plus assistant that significantly expands its smart home capabilities. The update, currently in preview, allows Alexa Plus to connect with a wider range of smart home devices and handle more complex instructions. This includes linking up with tech from brands like Bosch, Delta, Ecovacs, iRobot, Yale Home, Whirlpool, Tapo, and Eufy.
Multi-Device Commands Across Different Brands
The new AI update enables Alexa Plus to automatically route requests to the appropriate devices, even if they are from different manufacturers. This means users can give more complex commands, such as "Alexa, turn on the living room lights, set the thermostat to 72 degrees, and start the robot vacuum." Previously, Alexa could only handle simpler, single-device commands. The update also improves the assistant's ability to understand and execute multi-step tasks.
How the Update Changes Smart Home Control
Before this update, Alexa Plus was limited in its ability to manage devices from multiple brands simultaneously. Users often had to issue separate commands for each device, which was inconvenient. The new update streamlines this process, making it easier to control a smart home ecosystem with a single voice command. This is a significant step forward in smart home integration, as it allows for more seamless and intuitive control.
Benefits for Everyday Users
For everyday users, this update means more convenience and efficiency in managing their smart homes. Instead of issuing multiple commands, users can now control several devices with a single voice instruction. This is particularly useful for tasks like setting up a "good morning" routine that involves turning on lights, adjusting the thermostat, and starting a coffee maker. The update also makes it easier to integrate new devices into an existing smart home setup, as Alexa Plus can now recognize and connect with a broader range of brands.
How to Try the Preview Today
If you have an Alexa Plus device, you can try out the new update by enabling the preview feature in the Alexa app. Once enabled, you can start experimenting with more complex voice commands to see how the updated AI handles them. For example, you can say, "Alexa, turn on the living room lights, set the thermostat to 72 degrees, and start the robot vacuum." This will give you a hands-on experience of the improved capabilities.
Frequently asked
- Is the Alexa Plus AI update available to everyone?
- The update is currently in preview, so it may not be available to all users yet. Check the Alexa app to see if you can enable the preview feature.
- Which brands are supported by the new Alexa Plus update?
- The update supports devices from Bosch, Delta, Ecovacs, iRobot, Yale Home, Whirlpool, Tapo, Eufy, and others.
- What kind of multi-step commands can Alexa Plus now handle?
- Alexa Plus can now handle commands like "Alexa, turn on the living room lights, set the thermostat to 72 degrees, and start the robot vacuum," which involves multiple devices from potentially different brands.