Today, when I typed Alexa.com into my web browser, it took me to a page that resembled the Alexa Plus chatbot in the Alexa app. (I was already logged into my Amazon.com account.)

I went through a few setup steps, then arrived at a large blue/white screen with a big “Hello Jen, how can I help?” prompt above a text box. The box has the option to upload a file, and there are links to drop-down menus below: Plan, Learn, Create, Shop, and Find.

The menus include prebuilt prompts that take you into the chatbot interface, such as “Plan for my next getaway,” “Create a study guide for my exam,” “Shop trending products,” and “Book a table for a restaurant.” At the bottom of the chatbot, in small type, is the warning: “Alexa may not always get it right.”

A toolbar on the left has shortcuts to recent chats (including ones from my Echo devices), access to controls for my smart home (which responded promptly), my calendar, my Alexa lists, reminders, and tasks, plus a files section. The last one lets you access any files or photos you’ve uploaded to Alexa Plus, as well as the emails you’ve sent to it — all features that arrived with the new assistant.

Many of these are things Alexa Plus can do on its Echo devices and in the app — only here you can interact more easily via a keyboard and a bigger screen.

I’ve not spent much time playing with the web interface, but I’m all for an easier way to interact with Alexa Plus and Alexa features when I don’t want to use voice. I can already see that it will be a big upgrade over using the app, which is still very clunky. I often used the previous Alexa web interface, which Amazon discontinued in 2022, and have missed its functionality (especially being able to bulk delete smart home devices).

It’s clear that the web interface is a move to make Alexa Plus more integrated into its users’ daily workflow. Being able to control my smart home devices from my computer and add items to my shopping list with a couple of clicks at my desk will be useful.

But this is also Amazon’s first big move to make Alexa Plus an AI assistant you use everywhere, not just in the home. One that competes with ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. From what I’ve seen so far, it looks like a good start.

Access to Alexa.com appears to be in a limited rollout, and you need to have Alexa Plus, which is still in an Early Access program. It requires a Prime Membership, and Amazon has said it will also be available via a $19.99-a-month subscription.

Screenshots by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy / The Verge