Amazon’s new Alexa+ feature can generate podcast episodes on demand

Alexa+ now has the ability to generate podcast episodes on demand. This new feature, called “Alexa Podcasts,” is rolling out to customers in the US today. Amazon has described the capability as a way to “turn any topic you’re curious about into a podcast episode ready in minutes.”

To use the feature, users simply need to ask Alexa+ to create a podcast about a topic they are interested in. There is no need to upload documents, write scripts, or plan anything ahead of time. Instead, Alexa+ researches the request, gathers information, and generates a quick overview of what the episode will cover. Users can also tweak the length and tone of the podcast according to their preferences.

Alexa+ uses AI-generated host voices to narrate the podcasts. Once an episode is ready, users receive a notification through their Echo Show device and inside the Alexa app. Episodes are also saved in the app’s “Music and More” section, allowing users to replay them later.

With features like these, Alexa+ is evolving beyond a traditional voice assistant. Instead of only answering questions or controlling smart home devices, Alexa+ is beginning to function more like a personalised AI content creator.

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To further ensure accuracy and reliability, Amazon has highlighted its partnerships with major news organisations. The company says Alexa+ can access real-time information through agreements with outlets including the Associated Press, Reuters, The Washington Post, Time, Forbes, Business Insider, Politico, USA Today, Condé Nast, Hearst, and Vox Media, alongside more than 200 local newspapers across the US.

Beyond podcasts, Amazon says it is also exploring additional forms of personalised AI audio, including custom news briefings and content generated from users’ own documents and shared information.