Amazon rolls out Alexa+ with Hindi option for Indian users

Amazon has launched its Alexa+ conversational assistant in India with support for Hindi. The upgraded assistant can keep a longer dialogue and retain context throughout the exchange. It is being rolled out to all Indian users during an early‑access phase that offers both Hindi and English options. Amazon says the early‑access period will run for a limited time before the service becomes free for customers subscribed to Prime. Users who are not Prime members will need to pay ₹2,000 each month for the Alexa+ service. The company highlighted that the Hindi capability aims to make voice interactions more natural for a large segment of the population. In related news, the Disrupt 2026 conference is promoting a series of AI showcases that feature firms such as OpenAI, Anthropic and Replit among others, covering six industry tracks. Organisers are offering a 25 percent discount on tickets and a saving of up to $300 for attendees who book early. The event is being billed as a major platform for emerging AI technologies and startups. Amazon’s move follows a broader push by tech firms to localise AI tools for Indian users, addressing language diversity and pricing concerns. Analysts note that making Alexa+ free for Prime members could drive higher subscription uptake, while the monthly fee for non‑Prime users positions the product between premium and standard voice assistants. The Disrupt 2026 discounts aim to attract a larger crowd of developers and investors to the AI showcase.