Smart Home Assistant in the AI Era: Amazon Launches Alexa Plus

Author

Technology Insights Daily
March 06, 2025

In partnership with

The gold standard of business news

Morning Brew is transforming the way working professionals consume business news.

They skip the jargon and lengthy stories, and instead serve up the news impacting your life and career with a hint of wit and humor. This way, you’ll actually enjoy reading the news—and the information sticks.

Best part? Morning Brew’s newsletter is completely free. Sign up in just 10 seconds and if you realize that you prefer long, dense, and boring business news—you can always go back to it.

Welcome to Technology Insights Daily! We work hard to bring you the latest tech updates, and your support keeps us going. A great way to help is by checking out our amazing sponsors—they make this newsletter possible! Click on the links above to explore exclusive offers and innovations from our partners. Let’s get started!

Amazon has introduced Alexa Plus, an advanced iteration of its voice assistant, leveraging generative AI to enhance user experience. This upgrade enables more natural conversations, allowing Alexa Plus to understand and respond to complex commands. Beyond basic interactions, it can assist with tasks such as ordering groceries, scheduling appointments, and managing smart home devices through voice commands. The service is free for Amazon Prime members; non-members can access it for $19.99 per month. ​

A notable feature of Alexa Plus is its ability to remember user preferences, such as dietary restrictions, and provide personalized recommendations accordingly. It also integrates seamlessly with smart home devices, enabling users to create routines and control gadgets with ease. For instance, you can set up a morning routine that adjusts the thermostat, brews coffee, and provides a weather update—all triggered by a single command. ​

The assistant's enhanced natural language processing capabilities allow for more fluid interactions, making conversations feel more human-like. Additionally, Alexa Plus can analyze and summarize documents, assist with educational content, and even generate creative outputs like stories or music based on user prompts. ​

To access Alexa Plus, users can utilize Echo devices, Fire TV, or the Alexa app. The service is set to roll out in late March 2025 for select Echo devices, with plans for expanded compatibility in the future.

​Recent research has uncovered a vulnerability in Apple's Find My network that allows non-Apple devices to be disguised as AirTags, enabling unauthorized tracking. Researchers from George Mason University demonstrated that by manipulating cryptographic keys, any Bluetooth-enabled device—such as laptops, smartphones, or e-bikes—can be transformed into a tracking beacon within the Find My ecosystem. ​

This exploit, termed "nRootTag," involves tricking the Find My network into recognizing these devices as legitimate AirTags. The researchers achieved this by broadcasting specially crafted Bluetooth signals that nearby Apple devices would pick up and relay to Apple's servers, allowing the attacker to monitor the device's location remotely. ​

The implications are significant, as this method requires no physical access to the target device and can pinpoint its location within minutes. In experiments, the team successfully tracked a stationary computer with 10-foot accuracy and even reconstructed the flight path of a gaming console on an airplane. ​

Apple was notified of this vulnerability in July 2024 and addressed it with software updates in December 2024. However, the researchers caution that the exploit could persist for years, as many users delay updating their devices. They recommend users remain vigilant about apps requesting Bluetooth permissions, keep their devices updated, and consider privacy-focused operating systems for enhanced protection. ​

Pokémon Champions is an upcoming battle-focused game announced during the Pokémon Presents showcase on February 27, 2025. Developed by Game Freak and The Pokémon Works, it emphasizes strategic Pokémon battles, akin to the Pokémon Stadium series, without an overarching storyline.

The game will launch on Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, Android, and iOS, supporting cross-platform play. It integrates with Pokémon Home, allowing players to import Pokémon from previous games, though not all Pokémon will be supported. Mechanics like Mega Evolution and Terastallization will enhance competitive gameplay.

Designed for both new and experienced players, Pokémon Champions offers a dedicated battle experience with strategic depth. While no official release date has been confirmed, anticipation is high among Pokémon fans. More details on features and launch plans are expected in the coming months. The game aims to expand Pokémon's competitive scene with seamless multi-platform accessibility and deep battle mechanics.

OpenAI has introduced GPT-4.5, its most advanced AI model, featuring reduced hallucinations and more human-like conversations. The model significantly improves response accuracy, cutting hallucination rates from 61.8% to 37.1%, making it more reliable for users.

GPT-4.5 enhances emotional intelligence, enabling deeper, more engaging interactions. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated that it feels like talking to a thoughtful person, excelling in creative and empathetic discussions rather than strict reasoning tasks.

However, it is highly resource-intensive, making access initially limited to ChatGPT Pro subscribers at $200 per month and select developers. OpenAI acknowledges that while GPT-4.5 is not optimized for reasoning benchmarks, it focuses on creativity, knowledge depth, and nuanced conversations.

Currently, GPT-4.5 is in a research preview phase, with OpenAI gathering insights to refine future iterations, paving the way for more intelligent and engaging AI interactions.

Recent CAD renders of the upcoming iPhone 17 series have leaked, showcasing a redesigned horizontal camera module. This marks a significant shift from the vertical and square camera layouts seen in recent iPhones. The new design is rumored to improve spatial video recording for Apple Vision Pro, aligning the cameras for a better 3D capture experience.

Reports suggest that all iPhone 17 models, including the standard, Pro, and Pro Max, will feature this horizontal camera setup, though sensor specifications remain unclear. Additionally, thinner bezels, a refined chassis, and potential titanium materials are expected in the Pro models.

The iPhone 17 lineup is anticipated to launch in September 2025, with Apple focusing on camera advancements, AI features, and battery improvements. More leaks and official details are expected in the coming months as production ramps up. If true, this camera redesign could set a new precedent for future iPhone models.

That’s a wrap for today! Stay informed and ahead—catch us tomorrow for more insights. Share & subscribe at 🔗 www.technologyinsightsdaily.com. 🚀