Amazon has been automatically upgrading Prime members to Alexa Plus, a move that has sparked discussions among tech enthusiasts. According to reports on the r/alexa subreddit, users are seeing this upgrade as a perk tied to their Prime memberships. While the update is not opt-in, users do have the option to revert to the original Alexa version if they choose to do so.
Users who have received the upgrade have shared screenshots of messages from Amazon indicating that after the update, they can revert to the original Alexa by a simple voice command, ‘Alexa, exit Alexa+.’
Alexa Plus represents a significant update to Amazon’s voice assistant, powered by large language model (LLM) technology, aimed at enhancing its competitiveness against rivals like Google Gemini. However, not all users are embracing this new version of Alexa. Some have expressed preferences for the original Alexa due to reasons such as disliking the new voice and attitude of Alexa Plus, as well as facing longer response times from the upgraded assistant.
Additionally, users have reported an increase in advertisements related to Alexa Plus, with some mentioning being ‘flooded with ads’ after reverting to the original Alexa and then turning the updated version back on.
Source: The Verge