The digital assistant is getting a new AI-powered boost which will allow the device to be more conversational and proactive by following threads, and UK users are getting a first look as part of an Early Access programme.

In a press release, Amazon said: "To be truly ambient, Alexa+ operates throughout the day across your devices—it’s not sitting in a chat window waiting for a prompt.

"It’s there when you are rushing out of the door with your hands full, when you are coming home from work thinking about everything that needs to get done, or in the kitchen when you are making dinner catching up with family.

"You can talk to Alexa+ naturally, easily change topics, and you don't need to repeat the wake word every time.

"Alexa+ can answer virtually any question, help with complex tasks, and remembers the context of conversations so you can seamlessly pick up wherever you left off."

The company noted that users will be able to start conversations in your lounge, and then carry on in the app on your way into the office, before continuing on your laptop later on.

The team continued: "It’s also deeply personal, learning your preferences, understanding your household’s routines, and adapting to your life.

"The more you interact with Alexa+, the more it gets to know you, and the more useful it becomes."

Meanwhile, the update "has been built to feel genuinely British" for UK users, meaning it understands slang like "cuppa", "knackered" and "nippy", while it might even drop phrases like "Bob's your uncle" into conversation.

When it comes to privacy, Amazon say Alexa+ "provides you with transparency" and "puts you in control".

The release continues: "For example, you can review and manage your interactions with Alexa+ and available settings in the Alexa Privacy dashboard. "This means being able to listen to exactly what Alexa heard, review the attachments you’ve shared, change how long your voice recordings are stored, and more, all in one stop — it's centralised and easy-to-find in the Alexa app and online."