Discover the Third-Party Speakers Now Supporting Alexa+

Amazon's Alexa+ voice assistant has finally expanded beyond its own hardware ecosystem. While Amazon initially launched Alexa+ exclusively on its own devices like the Echo series, the company has now opened the platform to third-party manufacturers. This move brings Alexa+ to a wider range of speakers, offering users more choices in design, sound quality, and price. Below, we answer common questions about this expansion and what it means for smart home enthusiasts.

What is Alexa+ and how is it different from standard Alexa?

Alexa+ is Amazon's enhanced voice assistant that offers advanced features such as deeper integration with smart home devices, improved natural language understanding, and support for more complex routines. Unlike the standard Alexa, Alexa+ can handle multi-turn conversations, remember user preferences across sessions, and control a wider array of third-party gadgets. It also includes better privacy controls and faster response times. While standard Alexa remains available on many devices, Alexa+ is positioned as a premium upgrade for users who want a more seamless and intelligent assistant experience. The rollout to third-party speakers marks a significant step in making these advanced capabilities accessible beyond Amazon's own hardware.

Which third-party speakers are the first to support Alexa+?

Several well-known audio brands have stepped up to integrate Alexa+ into their speakers. Among the first are models from Sonos, Bose, and JBL, along with select smart displays from Lenovo and LG. These speakers have been certified to run Alexa+ natively, meaning users can access all of its features without the need for a separate Amazon device. Each manufacturer has optimized the integration to ensure voice pickup, sound quality, and device controls work smoothly. While the initial list is limited, Amazon has announced plans to expand compatibility to more brands and models in the coming months, giving consumers a growing selection of Alexa+-powered speakers.

When did Alexa+ start coming to third-party devices?

Amazon first launched Alexa+ exclusively on its own devices, including the Echo Dot, Echo Show, and Echo Studio, in early 2023. After several months of fine-tuning the assistant and gathering user feedback, the company began rolling out Alexa+ to third-party hardware in mid-2023. This staggered rollout allowed Amazon to ensure stability and compatibility before expanding to partners. The exact timing varied by manufacturer, with some brands receiving the update via firmware patches and others launching new models pre-loaded with Alexa+. As of late 2023, the majority of previously announced third-party speakers have received their Alexa+ updates, though some users may need to manually enable the feature in their device settings.

Why did Amazon wait to bring Alexa+ to third-party speakers?

Amazon's delay in bringing Alexa+ to third-party speakers was strategic. The company wanted to first perfect the assistant's performance on its own hardware, where it had full control over the microphone arrays, processing power, and software tuning. This allowed Amazon to tackle any bugs or limitations without the complexity of managing multiple hardware partners. Additionally, it gave Amazon a competitive advantage by making its Echo devices the only ones with Alexa+ for a period, encouraging customers to buy Amazon-made speakers. Once the assistant was mature and users had strong positive feedback, Amazon opened the door to third parties, expanding the ecosystem and increasing Alexa+'s reach. This approach also helped Amazon negotiate better terms with manufacturers by proving the assistant's value first.

Do I need a new speaker to use Alexa+, or can my existing speaker be updated?

It depends on your speaker model. Some newer third-party speakers that shipped in early 2023 were designed with the necessary hardware—such as far-field microphones and upgraded processors—to support Alexa+. These speakers can receive a firmware update to add Alexa+ functionality. However, many older speakers lack the required components and cannot be upgraded. Amazon and its partners have provided lists of compatible devices on their respective websites. If your speaker is not listed, you may need to purchase a newer model. Before buying, check the product's specifications or packaging for Alexa+ certification. Some manufacturers also offer trade-in programs to upgrade to Alexa+-compatible devices at a discount.

How do I enable Alexa+ on my third-party speaker?

Enabling Alexa+ on a compatible third-party speaker is straightforward. First, ensure your speaker is connected to your Wi-Fi network and that you have the latest firmware installed—usually done through the manufacturer's app. Next, open the Amazon Alexa app on your smartphone and navigate to the 'Devices' tab. Select your speaker from the list, then look for an option to 'Enable Alexa+' or 'Upgrade to Alexa+.' Follow the on-screen instructions to activate the assistant. You may need to link your Amazon account and agree to terms of service. In some cases, the speaker may automatically prompt you to upgrade when you first set it up. After activation, you can start using all Alexa+ features, including routines, multi-room audio, and advanced smart home controls.

Will Alexa+ work with Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit on the same speaker?

Currently, most third-party speakers that support Alexa+ do not simultaneously run Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit. While some speakers are designed to support multiple voice assistants, they typically require you to choose one as the primary assistant during setup. For example, a Sonos speaker might let you switch between Alexa+ and Google Assistant, but you cannot use both at the same time. However, you can often control smart home devices that work with both ecosystems through the speaker's native app. Amazon has not announced plans to allow Alexa+ to bridge directly with other assistants on the same hardware. If you need multi-assistant support, look for speakers explicitly labeled as offering 'dual assistant' capabilities, but note that Alexa+ may not be fully compatible in those modes.