Amazon makes Alexa Plus AI assistant free for US Fire TV users
The upgrade removes subscription barriers for advanced AI features, including mood-based recommendations and smart home controls, across a range of compatible devices.
Amazon has announced that its upgraded Alexa Plus artificial intelligence assistant is now available at no additional cost to all Fire TV device owners in the United States. The move removes the previous requirement for a Prime or Alexa Plus subscription, making the more conversational AI features accessible to a broader audience.
The rollout applies automatically to eligible hardware, including Fire TV Sticks, Fire TV Cubes, and Amazon Ember smart TVs. The update also extends to compatible models from third-party manufacturers, specifically Panasonic and Hisense televisions that have Alexa Plus built in.
With the upgrade, users can request movie recommendations based on their current mood and navigate to specific scenes within content. The assistant is also capable of answering questions about what is currently displayed on the screen, enhancing the viewing experience through more interactive dialogue.
Beyond entertainment, the integration allows for deeper smart home connectivity. Users can control lighting, manage door locks, and access camera feeds directly through the assistant. This functionality depends on the user having compatible smart home devices set up within their network.
Amazon stated that the company will automatically upgrade all eligible Fire TV owners to the new system. While the current availability is strictly limited to the United States, the company noted that additional devices and regions may be added over time. No specific timeline was provided for these future expansions.
