{
  "id": 245912,
  "title": "Keen to get Alexa+ but don’t have the necessary hardware? These are the 9 Amazon devices we recommend to get you up and running",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/keen-to-get-alexa-but-dont-have-the-necessary-hardware-these-are-the",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-08-07T01:43:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TechRadar",
    "slug": "techradar",
    "url": "https://www.techradar.com/ai-platforms-assistants/keen-to-get-alexa-but-dont-have-the-necessary-hardware-these-are-the-9-amazon-devices-we-recommend-to-get-you-up-and-running"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Amazon has officially introduced Alexa+, its more advanced AI assistant, to Australia, a move that has many Aussies eager to see the benefits in their homes. Although the upgraded digital assistant has been available in the US since February 2025 and the UK since March 2025, its arrival Down Under was met with anticipation due to Amazon's generally swift rollout of new features.\n\nFor those already entrenched in Amazon's ecosystem, such as owners of Echo smart speakers and displays or Ring home security cameras, it may be surprising that Alexa+ might not be immediately compatible with all devices. However, the list of incompatible devices is notably short, earning Amazon praise for its efficiency. The upgraded Alexa-enabled devices will, thus, provide the most seamless experience with Alexa+.\n\nTo fully utilize Alexa+, it's necessary to have a subscription, which is free for those already part of the Prime membership. For AU$29.99 per month, anyone without Prime membership can also subscribe. Regardless of the device, Amazon Echo Studio (2025) stands out as a worthy addition to any home looking to become an AI-powered digital assistant. Other compatible Echo devices include the Echo Dot Max, Echo Spot (2024), Echo Hub, Echo Show 8 (4th Gen), Echo Show 11 (2025), and the newer Echo Show 15. With these devices, users can leverage Alexa+ for a range of tasks, from answering questions to placing orders and even monitoring home deliveries through compatible Ring cameras.",
  "summary": "Amazon's heavily-upgraded and much smarter AI assistant is now available in Australia, but you need specific devices to access it. These are our favourites.",
  "key_points": [
    "Alexa+ officially launched in Australia in 2025",
    "Not all Amazon devices compatible with Alexa+",
    "Amazon Echo Studio recommended for Alexa+"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Amazon's introduction of Alexa+ in Australia expands the capabilities of its smart home devices, especially for Prime members, who can access the upgrade for free as part of their membership.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}