Overview
- This week Amazon put an AI-powered smart-home developer toolkit and support for the open Model Context Protocol (MCP) into preview for Alexa+ to broaden third-party integrations.
- The toolkit lets Alexa+ interpret natural-language, multi-step requests and automatically choose the right device and setting, for example selecting a cold-wash cycle and extras when a user mentions a garment’s care tag.
- Amazon named an initial group of device makers adopting the toolkit, including Bosch, Delta, Ecovacs, iRobot, Yale Home, Whirlpool, Tapo, Eufy and several smart-home brands.
- Amazon plans MCP-based integrations with services such as Canva, Headspace, Priceline and Lyft later this year, and will enable Amazon Wallet so eligible voice purchases use payment methods saved to customers’ Amazon accounts.
- Alexa+ launched nationwide earlier this year and Amazon says early upgraders raised smart-home activity by nearly 50% in the first month; the preview features will roll out to more partners and users later in 2026.