The next major shift in smart home technology won't be about more gadgets; it will be about intelligence that fades into the background. This is the promise of Ambient AI: systems that operate continuously and invisibly, sensing the environment, learning your family's routines, and proactively managing tasks without needing a single command.
Alexa+: The First Look at Ambient Intelligence
The launch of the new Alexa+ platform marks a crucial transition from a reactive voice assistant to a proactive AI system. This is defining characteristic of Ambient AI. The older Alexa needed a precise trigger ("Hey Alexa, turn off the lights"). The new Alexa+ uses advanced generative AI to sound more conversational without you have to say Alexa all the time.
Getting started with Alexa+
For Canadians, if you currently have Echo devices, be sure to ask Alexa about Alexa+. She will provide next step instructions to get early access. You can also check in the Alexa app. If you don't have any Echo devices, I recommend starting with the Echo Show 11. Place this in your kitchen area where it is most visible. This will act as your smart home hub. From there, add the Echo Dot Max in another room like your bedroom. Remember, the more you talk to Alexa+, the better she can help you in the future.
What feature of Alexa+ are you most excited to see incorporated into your home? Let us know in the comments!
