Amazon Alexa owners might have noticed a new trait from their computer companion: an updated voice.

Amazon Prime subscribers with Alexa virtual assistants are slowly seeing their devices update with new features, including options for different voices than before. The updates are rolling out as part of a free trial of Alexa+ Early Access, the company’s newest generation of the Alexa virtual assistant.

Alexa+ was announced nearly a year ago in late February 2025 and has gradually rolled out since then as part of the Early Access period. However, those with Amazon Prime began noticing and posting about their devices automatically upgrading and updating in January.

The upgrade aims to make the virtual assistant more conversational, personalized, and smarter, Amazon told USA TODAY.

Here’s what to know about the newest update and free trial.

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Alexa+ brings new voice, features to devices

The new Alexa+ touts dozens of new features, including the ability to have a free-flowing conversation with the device without having to say “Alexa” multiple times.

The upgraded virtual assistant can also now book a ride with Uber, find concert tickets on Ticketmaster, book reservations on OpenTable, manage your calendar, more easily control your smart home, discover music and explore Amazon products, the company told USA TODAY.

There are also new voice options under Alexa+ that users can switch to that are made to sound less robotic and more naturally conversational.

Alexa+ can also create personalized news summaries for users, remember important information about you, such as a family recipe, and manage your calendar, according to Amazon News. Additionally, the update is accessible across Amazon devices, including Echo, Fire TV, Fire Tablet, the Alexa app and the newly announced Alexa.com, which aims to bring Alexa+ to browsers.

Free Early Access to Alexa+ for non-Prime customers was expected to be available through at least January 2026. When Early Access ends, Alexa+ will stay free for Prime members or be available as a stand-alone subscription for $19.99/month for those without Prime memberships, according to a frequently asked questions page on Alexa+.

Can you get the old Alexa voice back?

For some users, the automatic update to Alexa+ meant a sudden new voice coming out of their device. On social media, some people posted their reactions to the new voice and the surprise that came with it.

If you find yourself preferring the old voice, don’t worry. Users can exit Alexa+ if they wish by ending Alexa+ Early Access. To end Alexa+ Early Access using your voice, say “end early access” to your device with Alexa equipped.

You can also end Alexa+ Early Access online by going to Your Memberships & Subscriptions, selecting End Early Access and following the on-screen steps. When Alexa+ Early Access turns off, your Alexa device will revert to the original Alexa.

Kate Perez covers national trends and breaking news for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kperez@usatodayco.com or on X @katecperez_.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Amazon’s Alexa+ automatic upgrade for Prime users brings new voices