The Vergecast The Vergecast

The many pluses and minuses of Alexa Plus

Oct 8, 2026 · 34m

Summary

Jen Tuohy reviews her year-long experience with Alexa Plus, noting significant improvements in smart home voice control but frustration with its failed attempts to act as a general personal assistant. The episode also covers Amazon’s new $500 Android tablet, which aims to provide the personal context Alexa lacks, and anticipates Apple’s upcoming smart home launch, where Siri AI may finally compete with Amazon’s ecosystem.

Topics discussed

Intro and Alexa Plus hardware announcements 90 Seconds: AI domains, GTA 6, and Joe Rogan Sponsors: Satelli and Happy Hour Smart home frustrations and Alexa app issues Alexa Plus: One year review and general AI goals Voice routines and deep device integration LLM understanding and home context data Shopping integrations and walled garden concerns Sponsors: Whatnot, Aidera, and Ring Promo: America Actually on GOP midterms The new $500 Amazon Android tablet Amazon vs Apple smart home strategies Apple's upcoming smart home launch and Siri AI Privacy, local AI, and the cost of smart homes Outro and listener contact info
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