Amazon expands its Alexa+ assistant to the web environment with Alexa.com

Amazon has introduced Alexa.com, a web platform that allows users to interact with its Alexa+ artificial intelligence assistant directly from the browser. The service, initially available to users of the Alexa+ Early Access program, represents the assistant's expansion into a new environment following its presence on voice devices and mobile applications.

Alexa.com enables queries, exploration of complex topics, content creation, trip itinerary planning, or receiving help with school assignments directly from the browser. The platform goes beyond providing information and is designed to execute actions: managing task lists, updating family calendars, controlling smart home devices, or making reservations, among other functions.

According to Amazon data, there are currently over 600 million Alexa-enabled devices worldwide. The company has observed changes in usage patterns since the launch of Alexa+ nine months ago: twice as many conversations, three times as many purchases, and five times more recipe requests compared to the previous service.

The new web platform maintains context and continuity across devices. Users can start a conversation on one device and continue it on another, with access to previous chats, preferences, and personalization. The interface includes a sidebar that provides direct access to frequent features such as smart home controls, calendar, shopping lists, and shared files.

Among the capabilities Amazon highlights is weekly menu planning with automatic generation of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options according to dietary preferences, with the ability to add all ingredients to the Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods cart. The system also allows uploading documents, emails, and images to extract key information, add appointments to the calendar, and recall specific details on demand.

For recipes, users can share links, request adaptations according to dietary restrictions, and add the complete ingredient list to the shopping cart. During cooking, Alexa can display instructions on Echo Show devices and manage timers through voice commands.

Smart home controls are integrated into the same window as the chat, allowing users to check security cameras, adjust the thermostat, or unlock doors without switching applications. For entertainment, the system offers movie and series recommendations that can then be played directly on Fire TV devices.

Alexa.com is part of a broader strategy that includes the redesign of the Alexa mobile application with an agent-centered approach. Amazon indicates it will continue expanding the platform's capabilities and experiences in future updates.

Key points

• Amazon introduces Alexa.com, a web platform to use Alexa+ directly from the browser
• Alexa maintains context and continuity across devices, allowing conversations to start on one and continue on another
• The platform executes actions such as managing tasks, updating calendars, and controlling smart home devices
• Offers weekly menu planning with automatic ingredient purchasing at Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods
• Smart home controls are integrated into the same chat window without switching applications
• Allows uploading documents to extract key information and automatically add appointments to the calendar
• There are currently over 600 million Alexa-enabled devices worldwide
• The service is initially available to users of the Alexa+ Early Access program
• Amazon will redesign the Alexa mobile application with an agent-centered approach