Top Features of the Alexa App You Should Know in 2025: The Amazon Alexa app, available for iOS and Android, is the central hub for managing Alexa-enabled devices like Echo speakers, Fire TVs, and Fire tablets. In 2025, with the introduction of Alexa+, a generative AI-powered upgrade, the app has evolved into a more intuitive and versatile platform, offering enhanced conversational abilities, smart home control, and personalized features.
From creating voice-activated routines to managing family schedules, the Alexa app streamlines daily tasks and integrates seamlessly with your connected devices
Top Features of the Alexa App You Should Know in 2025
1. Enhanced Conversational AI with Alexa+
Alexa+ leverages large language models (LLMs) like Amazon’s Nova and Anthropic’s Claude to enable natural, multi-turn conversations without repeating the wake word “Alexa.”
- How to Use: Open the Alexa app, tap the blue chat indicator on any page, and start a conversation. For example, say, “I’m planning a dinner party,” and Alexa+ might suggest recipes based on dietary preferences (e.g., vegetarian for your daughter) or book a restaurant via OpenTable. You can ask follow-ups like, “What wine pairs with this?” without saying “Alexa” again.
- Benefits: The app supports fluid dialogue, remembers context (e.g., your past purchases or preferences), and provides real-time answers for queries like, “What’s the lowest point in the ocean?”
- Tip: Share documents (e.g., emails, recipes) via the app’s upload feature to let Alexa+ summarize or act on them, such as adding school events to your calendar.
2. Voice-Activated Routine Creation
Create complex automation routines using simple voice commands, no manual setup required.
- How to Use: Say, “Alexa, every morning at 7 AM, turn on the coffee pot, dim the bedroom lights, and play jazz.” The app automatically configures the routine. Access Devices > Routines to view or edit.
- Advanced Options: Set weather-based routines (e.g., “Close the garage if it’s raining”) or monthly routines (e.g., suggest weekend activities). In the app, tap Routines > + to customize triggers like motion or temperature sensors.
- Benefits: Simplifies smart home automation, saving time for busy households.
- Tip: If unsure about routine ideas, say, “Alexa, suggest a morning routine,” for personalized recommendations.
3. Smart Home Control with Favorites and Map View
The app’s redesigned interface prioritizes smart home controls for quick access.
- Favorites: Pin frequently used devices (e.g., Echo, smart lights, thermostats) to the Home page’s Shortcuts bar. Go to Devices > Favorites to add or reorder items like shopping lists or alarms.
- Map View: On iOS, scan your home’s floor plan to create a digital layout. Pin devices to their locations (e.g., living room Echo) for at-a-glance control. Access via Devices > Map View.
- How to Use: Tap a device in Favorites or Map View to toggle it (e.g., turn on lights) or view camera feeds. Filter devices by type or search by name for efficiency.
- Benefits: Reduces navigation time, ideal for homes with multiple devices.
- Tip: Use List View for a text-based device list if Map View isn’t set up.
4. Personalized Recommendations and Content Discovery
Alexa+ enhances content discovery for music, movies, and podcasts.
- How to Use: Ask, “What’s a good sci-fi movie?” or “Play trending pop songs.” In the app, tap the Home carousel to see recently played music or suggested podcasts. Search for specific podcast episodes via the chat interface.
- Benefits: Tailors suggestions based on your listening history or mood, integrating with services like Spotify, Amazon Music, or Apple Music.
- Tip: Say, “Alexa, play the song from that movie’s credits,” for vague queries, and Alexa+ will use context to find matches.
5. Document and Calendar Management
Upload documents to Alexa+ for summarization or action.
- How to Use: In the app, go to More > Add Content, and upload emails, PDFs, or photos (e.g., a school flyer). Ask, “Add these events to my calendar,” or “Summarize my HOA rules.” Alexa+ extracts details and confirms actions.
- Benefits: Streamlines family schedules or project planning by automating data entry.
- Tip: Email documents to a designated Alexa address for hands-free uploads, ideal for busy users.
6. Emergency Assist and Safety Features
Alexa Emergency Assist provides 24/7 access to urgent response services.
- How to Use: Say, “Alexa, call for help,” to connect to a professional response team. Subscribe via More > Alexa Emergency Assist ($5.99/month or $59/year for new users).
- Benefits: Includes Smart Alerts for unusual activity (e.g., smoke alarms) and Emergency Contacts for household safety.
- Tip: Test the feature in the app to ensure setup and link trusted contacts.
7. Drop In and Communication
Use Drop In for instant intercom-like connections or make calls/messages.
- How to Use: Go to Communicate > Drop In, select an Echo device, and connect instantly. For calls, tap Call and choose a contact with an Alexa-enabled device. The Top Connections widget on the Home page simplifies frequent calls.
- Benefits: Keeps families connected, especially in large homes.
- Tip: Enable “Do Not Disturb” via Devices > Echo & Alexa to avoid interruptions.
8. AI Image Generation
Alexa+ can generate AI images for creative tasks.
- How to Use: Say, “Create an image of a futuristic city,” or use the app’s chat interface to describe visuals. View results on Echo Show devices or the app.
- Benefits: Useful for brainstorming, party planning, or kids’ activities.
- Tip: Refine prompts (e.g., “Add neon lights”) for better results, though quality may vary compared to dedicated AI tools.
Additional Tips
- Privacy Controls: Review data in Settings > Alexa Privacy to delete recordings or disable Visual ID. Note that Alexa+ relies on cloud processing, raising privacy concerns for some users.
- Device Compatibility: Alexa+ works on Echo Show 8/10/15/21, Fire TV Cube, Fire Stick 4K, and Fire tablets (Fire OS 8+). Older devices like Echo Dot 1st Gen use Classic Alexa.
- Feedback: Say, “Alexa, I have feedback,” to report issues, helping Amazon refine Alexa+
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Limitations
- Skill Support: Not all 160,000 Classic Alexa skills are available on Alexa+. Check compatibility or request missing skills via feedback.
- Subscription: Alexa+ is free for Prime members, but non-Prime users pay $19.99/month. Classic Alexa remains free.
- Bugs: Some users report issues post-Alexa+ update, like Spotify disconnects or delayed responses. Restart devices or reinstall the app to troubleshoot.
FAQs
What’s the difference between Alexa and Alexa+?
Alexa+ is a generative AI-powered upgrade with natural conversations, memory, and task automation (e.g., booking services). Classic Alexa handles basic commands but lacks advanced AI features.
Do I need a subscription for Alexa+?
Prime members get Alexa+ free; non-Prime users pay $19.99/month. Classic Alexa is free for all.
Can I use the Alexa app without an Echo device?
Yes, the app supports Fire TVs, Fire tablets, and smartphones for music, calls, and smart home control, but some features (e.g., Drop In) require compatible devices.
Why doesn’t Alexa+ support all skills?
Not all Classic Alexa skills are compatible with Alexa+’s new AI framework. Amazon is transitioning popular skills, and you can request missing ones via feedback.
How do I protect my privacy with Alexa+?
Go to Settings > Alexa Privacy to delete recordings, disable Visual ID, or limit data sharing. Be aware that Alexa+ uses cloud processing, which may store data.