Amazon makes Alexa+ AI free on all US Fire TV devices, ending Prime fee

Amazon is making its AI-powered assistant, Alexa, available for free on all compatible Fire TV devices in the United States, eliminating the previous $19.99 monthly fee for non-Prime members. The update, announced on August 19, 2026, rolls out automatically to eligible hardware, requiring no subscription, app download, or manual setup from users.

The move grants millions of Fire TV owners access to a more conversational and context-aware version of Alexa, designed to streamline content discovery and smart home control directly from the television screen. Users can now ask for entertainment recommendations based on themes, genres, or specific attributes rather than needing to know exact titles. For example, a viewer could request "a top-rated thriller" or "a historical drama with a strong female lead." The assistant can also answer real-time questions about the content being watched, such as an actor's filmography, and provide general information like weather forecasts.

Beyond entertainment, the upgraded Alexa integrates with smart home devices. Users can issue voice commands to view live feeds from compatible security cameras, such as Ring doorbells, on their TV, adjust...