Can I opt out of the new Alexa Plus update?

Yes, users can revert to the original Alexa by saying, 'Alexa, exit Alexa+.'

Why are users unhappy with Alexa Plus?

Users report disliking the new voice, longer wait times, and an increase in ads.

Is Alexa Plus an upgrade for Amazon Prime members?

Some Prime members are reportedly receiving Alexa Plus as a perk, though it's not opt-in.

Home / Technology / Alexa Plus Upgrade Sparks User Backlash

Alexa Plus Upgrade Sparks User Backlash

12 Jan

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Summary

Users report automatic upgrades to Alexa Plus linked to Prime.
Some users dislike Alexa's new voice and increased response times.
Users are reporting an influx of ads after turning off Alexa Plus.

Recent weeks have seen an involuntary rollout of Alexa Plus to Amazon Prime members, sparking user dissent on Reddit. This enhanced, LLM-powered version of Alexa aims to compete with AI rivals but has met resistance due to changes in voice, attitude, and slower response times. Users can revert to the original Alexa, but some report being subjected to intrusive advertisements upon opting out.

The forced upgrade aims to bolster Amazon's voice assistant against strong competition, particularly from platforms like Google Gemini. However, the implementation has led to user frustration. Issues reported include a perceived negative change in Alexa's persona and significant delays in query processing, detracting from the user experience.

Despite the push for the new AI capabilities, many users express a preference for the prior version of Alexa. The influx of advertisements upon attempting to disable Alexa Plus has further intensified user dissatisfaction, highlighting a significant disconnect between Amazon's strategy and consumer reception.