Amazon Alexa+ can now generate podcast episodes: How to use, availability and other details

Amazon has rolled out an upgrade for its premium AI assistant, Alexa+. Users can now command the feature to instantly create full, custom podcast episodes on any topic. The new feature, called Alexa Podcasts, marks a shift in how people consume information. Instead of searching through pre-recorded catalogs for a specific subject, users can now generate their own on-demand audio lessons with realistic, AI-generated host voices.To ensure the AI-generated shows are accurate and up-to-date, Amazon has partnered with a huge roster of leading global news organisations. Alexa+ pulls information from the Associated Press, Reuters, the Washington Post, TIME, Forbes, and Vox, alongside more than 200 local newspapers across the US. Using generative AI, the system searches through these vast archives of real-time journalism and historical data, condensing complex information into a conversational, easy-to-digest audio format.Creating a custom podcast episode requires no preparation or document uploads. The process is completely conversational.Amazon highlights that the tool is designed to fit into daily routines, offering practical uses across various scenarios. For example getting a custom breakdown of game highlights or a summary of what critics are saying about a newly released movie. Users can also prepare for an upcoming trip by listening to the architectural history of a place, or generate episodes on leadership strategies, industry changes or emerging tech to listen to during lunch breaks.Alexa Podcasts is rolling out today exclusively for Alexa+ subscribers in the US. Amazon noted that this is only the first phase of the audio platform and future updates are expected to include highly personalised daily news briefings.