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Amazon makes Alexa+ free on compatible Fire TVs
Fox News • • technology
Key Points:
- Amazon is automatically upgrading compatible Fire TV devices in the U.S. with Alexa+, a more conversational AI assistant, at no additional cost and without requiring an Amazon Prime membership or app download.
- Alexa+ enhances voice interaction by allowing natural, follow-up questions for entertainment searches, smart home controls, and general information, improving user engagement and convenience on Fire TV.
- Fire TV Stick users must press the remote's microphone button to use Alexa, while Fire TV Cube and some smart TVs offer hands-free Alexa with built-in microphones, raising privacy considerations about always-listening devices.
- Users can manage privacy settings by reviewing and deleting Alexa voice history and controlling data collection on Fire TV devices, including disabling hands-free microphones and follow-up mode for greater privacy.
- While many Alexa+ features on Fire TV are free, Amazon charges $19.99 per month for the broader Alexa+ Standard Plan for non-Prime members, which unlocks additional smart home and security capabilities.
