Amazon just gave users a valuable upgrade — Alexa+ is now free to use on Fire TV devices as well as Hisense and Panasonic models, and you don’t need Prime

Amazon has recently made Alexa+ available free of charge on Fire TV devices, including Fire TV Sticks, Fire TV Cube, Amazon Ember smart TVs, and third-party smart TVs from brands like Hisense and Panasonic. This upgrade is currently available to US users, with potential expansion to other regions in the future. Previously, access to Alexa+ required an Amazon Prime membership, which costs $19.99 per month.

However, with this new upgrade, users can enjoy the benefits of Alexa+, which includes finding movie recommendations and integrating with other smart home devices, without needing a Prime membership. Users can ask Alexa+ to compile a list of movies starring their favorite actors or to recommend top-rated shows in a specific genre.

Additionally, Alexa+ can control smart home devices, such as dimming lights for a dinner party or locking doors when paired with a smart lock. While Alexa+ on Echo devices still requires a Prime or standalone Alexa+ subscription, Amazon's decision to make Alexa+ free on Fire TV devices is a strategic move to increase its popularity and expose more users to its upgraded capabilities.