Key Takeaways
- Amazon has postponed the launch of the Alexa+ web version, with no confirmed date yet.
- An Amazon spokesperson claims the Alexa.com launch is still on track for a summer release.
- Over one million users currently have early access to the app version of Alexa+ in the US.
Delay in Alexa+ Web Launch
Amazon has announced a delay for the launch of the web version of its AI-enhanced voice assistant, Alexa+. A company spokesperson informed The Washington Post that preparations are still underway before it can be made available to test users. The precise reasons behind this postponement remain unclear.
When Amazon introduced Alexa+ back in February, it boasted various upgrades, including enhanced listening capabilities and broader compatibility with smart home devices. However, the web-based version, initially promised alongside these improvements, has faced a last-minute delay. Currently, while the app version of Alexa+ is accessible to early testers in the US, the rollout for Alexa.com has been pushed back, with the launch now anticipated “no sooner than July 31.”
Internal documents accessed by The Washington Post revealed that the company may have miscalculated the workload required for a successful launch of Alexa.com. As it stands, users must wait a bit longer for the awaited features. Spokesperson Lauren Raemhild reassured The Post that the web version of Alexa.com is not actually delayed and is expected to be part of the Early Access program this summer, hinting at a potential release by the end of August.
While the details remain murky, Raemhild emphasized that Amazon is committed to refining the user experience as they look to expand access. Presently, the Alexa+ early access initiative is available on various models of the Amazon Echo Show, including the 8, 10, 15, and 21.
This delay has added to the frustration of many customers eager to explore the new capabilities of the smart assistant. Amazon claims to have delivered “90 percent of the features” initially outlined in February, with Alexa+ already rolled out to over one million US test users as of June.
The situation echoes past experiences with tech companies, such as Apple’s delays in launching its AI-enhanced Siri voice assistant, raising the question of whether Amazon’s postponement stems from a similar underestimation of the work required to ensure a stable rollout.
Although the exact launch date remains unconfirmed, speculation suggests that Alexa.com could potentially be launched by August 31, provided Amazon adheres to its commitment to finalize the Early Access features by the end of summer.
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