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Monday, August 25, 2025

First impressions of Alexa+, Amazon’s upgraded, AI-powered digital assistant

As technology continues to advance, smart assistants have become an integral part of our homes. These AI-powered devices can do everything from playing music and answering questions to controlling smart home devices and setting reminders. With a variety of options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to determine which smart assistant is the best fit for your family. As an avid user of smart assistants, I have always been impressed with Amazon’s Alexa. However, with the constant evolution of technology, I am curious to find out whether Alexa is still the best smart assistant for my family. To answer this question, I have decided to put Amazon’s AI-powered devices to the test, experiment with AI queries, and share my thoughts in a multi-part series.

Firstly, let’s take a look at Amazon’s range of AI-powered devices. The most popular of these is the Amazon Echo, a smart speaker that responds to voice commands and acts as a hub for controlling other smart devices. Along with the Echo, Amazon also offers the Echo Dot, a smaller and more affordable version, the Echo Show, which includes a screen for visual responses, and the Echo Spot, a compact version with a circular screen. Additionally, Amazon has expanded its range to include the Echo Flex, a plug-in speaker, and the Echo Auto, a device that brings Alexa into your car. With such a wide range of devices, it’s clear that Amazon is committed to providing diverse options for different needs and preferences.

I decided to start my testing with the Amazon Echo, the device that started it all. Setting up the Echo was seamless and only took a few minutes. Once connected to Wi-Fi, the device was ready to respond to my commands. As I started to interact with Alexa, I was reminded of why I have always been a fan of this AI-powered assistant. The voice recognition was impressive, and Alexa was able to understand and respond to my queries accurately. I asked Alexa to play my favorite playlist, set a reminder for my daughter’s dance class, and even ordered groceries using my voice. I was impressed with how effortless it was to use the Echo and how it seamlessly integrated into my daily routine.

Next, I decided to experiment with AI queries to see how well Alexa could respond. I asked various questions ranging from general knowledge to more specific ones, and I was amazed at how knowledgeable Alexa is. From answering questions about the weather to providing historical facts and even telling jokes, Alexa’s responses were quick and accurate. The device also has a variety of skills, which are like apps, that allow you to do even more with Alexa. I enabled skills such as a meditation app and a cooking app, and they were both helpful and easy to use.

As I continued to use the Echo, I realized how convenient it is to have a smart assistant at home. I could control my smart lights and thermostat, make phone calls hands-free, and even order food from my favorite restaurant. With Alexa, it felt like I had a personal assistant always at my beck and call. Additionally, the Echo’s sound quality was impressive, and it easily filled my living room with music. The device also has a feature called “Drop In,” which allows you to use it as an intercom to communicate with other Echo devices in your home. This feature was particularly useful for checking in on my children in their rooms without having to shout or walk upstairs.

Apart from the Echo, I also tested the Echo Show and the Echo Spot. Both devices have a screen, which allows for visual responses. While I didn’t find the screen necessary for every command, it was useful for tasks such as checking the weather forecast and watching cooking tutorials. I also found the screen to be helpful for video calls, as it allowed for a more interactive experience. The Echo Show has a larger screen compared to the Spot, but both devices have a compact design, making them a great addition to any room.

After experimenting with Amazon’s AI-powered devices, I can confidently say that Alexa is still the best smart assistant for my family. The ease of use, wide range of skills, and seamless integration into our daily routine make it a valuable addition to our home. Not to mention, the affordable price points for the various devices make it accessible for any budget.

In conclusion, my multi-part series of testing Amazon’s AI-powered devices has reaffirmed my belief that Alexa is the best smart assistant for my family. The device’s impressive voice recognition, wide range of skills, and convenient

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