Amazon has launched its next-generation virtual assistant, Alexa+, in Canada, marking the first international rollout outside the United States. The enhanced AI helper promises a more natural, conversational experience with personalized features for Canadian users.
What Makes Alexa+ Different?
The new Alexa+ represents a significant upgrade from the standard Alexa that Canadians have used since 2017. According to Amazon, Canadian users have logged over 20 billion interactions with Alexa in the past three years, making Canada one of the most engaged markets globally and justifying its selection as the first international launch country.
Unlike the previous version, Alexa+ features a more human-like voice with a slight Canadian accent and occasional use of "eh" in conversations. The assistant no longer requires users to repeatedly say "Alexa" during extended interactions, creating a more fluid conversation flow. The AI remembers personal details like family names, preferences, allergies, and dietary restrictions, making it particularly useful for planning meals or events.
Enhanced Smart Home Capabilities
Alexa+ introduces advanced smart home management features that learn and adapt to user routines. The system can prompt users if they forget regular tasks, such as setting alarms or locking doors at specific times. Users can create complex routines that coordinate multiple smart devices, such as having blinds open at 7 a.m., lights turn on, coffee brew, and daily news and calendar appointments read aloud simultaneously.
Beyond home automation, Alexa+ can handle external tasks like making restaurant reservations through OpenTable when users mention attending events. For example, if you tell Alexa+ you're going to a Maple Leafs game, it can find and book a nearby restaurant before the event and add the details to your calendar.
New Hardware Options
The full Alexa+ experience is accessible on existing Echo devices, but Amazon has also introduced four new Echo Show models with 8-inch and 11-inch screen sizes. These devices include camera-based features that can recognize family members and deliver personalized reminders. Two new Echo speakers complement the lineup, expanding options for Canadian households.
During the Early Access phase, Alexa+ is available at no cost. After this period, Amazon Prime members will continue receiving Alexa+ for free with their $99 annual subscription, while non-Prime users will pay $27.99 monthly. Canadians can sign up for Early Access at Amazon.ca/newalexa.
Microsoft Teams Location Tracking Feature
In related tech news affecting Canadian workers, Microsoft Teams is introducing a new feature that automatically detects employee locations when they connect to company Wi-Fi. Scheduled for December release, this functionality will show employers which specific office buildings staff are working from.
While Microsoft states the feature will be disabled by default and require user opt-in, employers can enable it to monitor compliance with return-to-office mandates. This development comes despite a Public Service Alliance of Canada survey finding that 81% of Canadians believe remote work benefits both employees and productivity.
Canada's Most Common Passwords Revealed
NordPass has released its annual report on the most frequently used passwords globally, with concerning trends for Canadian users. For the seventh consecutive year, "123456" remains the world's most common password, followed by "admin" and "12345678."
In Canada, the top five passwords were:
- admin
- 123456
- gallant123
- password
- 1hateyou
The report noted increased use of simple character substitutions that remain vulnerable to hacking, such as replacing "a" with "@" or "e" with "3."
Password Security Recommendations
Cybersecurity experts recommend several strategies for better password protection:
Use a trusted password manager to generate and store complex passwords automatically. Never reuse passwords across multiple accounts, as a single breach can compromise all your services. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible, requiring both your password and a verification code sent to your mobile device.
For those preferring memorable passwords, passphrases combining at least four meaningful words without spaces provide stronger security than simple passwords. Alternatively, passkeys using biometric verification like fingerprints or facial recognition offer enhanced protection against phishing attacks while providing faster access to your accounts.
