Amazon Opens Alexa+ to More Complex Smart-Home Controls

Amazon is expanding Alexa+ with a Smart Home AI Toolkit that lets device makers connect natural-language requests to specialized appliance functions, naming 14 initial brands including Bosch, Ecovacs, iRobot, Yale Home, Whirlpool, Tapo and Eufy. The invitation-only developer preview supports U.S. English with no general-availability date announced.

Amazon Opens Alexa+ to More Complex Smart-Home Controls - Amazon named 14 initial brands, including Bosch, Ecovacs, iRobot, Yale Home, Whirlpool, Tapo and Eufy, for new Alexa+ smart-home integrations. 1 https://developer.amazon.com/alexaplus/blogs/2026/07/alexa-plus-new-ways-to-build-experiences - The toolkit can generate custom controls for device functions that Alexa’s standard interfaces did not previously support. 2 https://developer.amazon.com/docs/alexaplus/smarthome/add-custom-capabilities.html - The developer preview is invitation-only, supports U.S. English and has no announced general-availability date. 2 https://developer.amazon.com/docs/alexaplus/smarthome/add-custom-capabilities.html Amazon is expanding Alexa+ beyond standard commands such as switching lights or adjusting thermostats, introducing an AI toolkit that can connect natural-language requests to specialized functions in appliances and other smart-home devices. 1 https://developer.amazon.com/alexaplus/blogs/2026/07/alexa-plus-new-ways-to-build-experiences The first participating brands are Bosch, Delta, Ecovacs, SONOFF, Govee, iRobot, Moen Flo, PetSafe, Pila Energy, Twinkly, Yale Home, Whirlpool, TP-Link’s Tapo and Anker’s Eufy. Amazon did not identify the exact supported products or actions for each company. 1 https://developer.amazon.com/alexaplus/blogs/2026/07/alexa-plus-new-ways-to-build-experiences A limited developer preview Amazon’s example involves a user describing a stained soccer jersey that requires cold water. Alexa+ interprets the request, examines 30 washing-machine cycles and selects a cold-water enzyme cycle with extra rinse and low spin. The system can also suggest routines, such as starting a connected coffee machine when a morning alarm sounds. 1 https://developer.amazon.com/alexaplus/blogs/2026/07/alexa-plus-new-ways-to-build-experiences Device makers can describe capabilities conversationally or upload technical specifications. Amazon’s development agent then generates interfaces, test phrases and screen controls. At runtime, Alexa+ infers the relevant capability from the user’s words and routes the command accordingly. Amazon has not disclosed which underlying AI model handles this interpretation. 2 https://developer.amazon.com/docs/alexaplus/smarthome/add-custom-capabilities.html The Smart Home AI Toolkit is not publicly available: manufacturers must contact an Amazon representative, and custom capabilities currently support only U.S. English. Amazon has not provided a general-release timetable. Alexa+ itself is already available broadly in the United States and Canada. 2 https://developer.amazon.com/docs/alexaplus/smarthome/add-custom-capabilities.html 3 https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/devices/new-alexa-generative-artificial-intelligence Broader device control also gives Alexa and connected manufacturers access to more detailed requests and appliance functions. Amazon requires add-ons to use account linking, disclose what data will be shared, limit collection to what is needed and provide retention and deletion policies. Users can manage Alexa+ interactions and settings through Amazon’s Alexa Privacy dashboard. 4 https://developer.amazon.com/docs/alexaplus/add-ons/policy-requirements.html 3 https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/devices/new-alexa-generative-artificial-intelligence Companies mentioned Further sources 1 Amazon Developer, “Alexa+ launches new ways to build experiences,” July 23, 202… ↗ https://developer.amazon.com/alexaplus/blogs/2026/07/alexa-plus-new-ways-to-build-experiences 2 Amazon Developer documentation, “Add Custom Capabilities with the Smart Home AI… ↗ https://developer.amazon.com/docs/alexaplus/smarthome/add-custom-capabilities.html 3 Amazon, “Introducing Alexa+, the next generation of Alexa,” updated July 21, 20… ↗ https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/devices/new-alexa-generative-artificial-intelligence 4 Amazon Developer documentation, “Policy Requirements,” updated July 21, 2026. ↗ https://developer.amazon.com/docs/alexaplus/add-ons/policy-requirements.html The stories that matter, in one email. Free — unsubscribe anytime.