You May Not Want to Upgrade to Alexa+ Just Yet: What Radio Listeners Need to Know (April 2026)

Are you an avid Alexa user, especially for tuning into your favorite radio stations? You might have heard buzz about the new Alexa+, Amazon's AI-powered voice assistant. While it promises a smarter, more conversational experience, you might want to hold off on hitting that upgrade button just yet. Here's a comprehensive guide, especially for radio station listeners, outlining why you might want to stick with your current Alexa setup for a little longer.

Since its launch in February 2026, Alexa+ has been causing some disruption for users. While the upgrade promises improvements in conversational ability, context awareness, and task completion through generative AI technology, the early-access release has exposed numerous compatibility problems, broken skills, and performance issues.

Understanding Alexa+ and Why It's Different

Alexa+ isn't just a simple update; it's a complete overhaul of how Alexa works. The original Alexa followed your commands directly. Alexa+ uses conversational AI, powered by advanced AI models like Amazon's Nova and Anthropic's Claude, to understand natural speech, context, and even incomplete thoughts.

This new system is incredibly complex, orchestrating across thousands of services and devices. It uses "experts" to handle specific tasks, like controlling smart home devices, making reservations, playing music, and coordinating deliveries. Think of it as adding a super-smart brain to your Alexa, but with some growing pains.

However, this leap to generative AI has introduced significant tradeoffs. The old Alexa used deterministic rule-based processing that delivered fast, predictable responses but operated rigidly. Alexa+ uses probabilistic machine learning models that make it more creative and capable of understanding nuance but also slower and less predictable.

Device Compatibility: Will Your Echo Even Work with Alexa+?

Here's a crucial point: not all Alexa devices will be compatible with Alexa+. Amazon has stated that only newer hardware generations will support the upgrade. If you have older devices like the Echo Dot (1st Generation), Echo (1st Generation), or Echo Show (1st Generation), they'll continue running the "original Alexa" and retain full access to the Skills Store.

This means if you have a mix of old and new devices, you could have an inconsistent experience in your home. Your radio station skill might work perfectly on your older Echo in the kitchen but struggle on your newer Echo Show in the living room.

Skill Compatibility: A Major Headache for Many

The biggest issue right now is that many Alexa skills simply aren't working properly with Alexa+. Amazon itself admits that "not all features/Skills will be compatible or work properly." Users are reporting skills that won't launch, execute incorrectly, or just don't work at all.

Our Radio Station Skill is Not Working Properly

We've noticed that our own radio station skill has been experiencing issues since the Alexa+ rollout. We're working hard to resolve this, but it highlights the widespread compatibility problems.

For radio listeners, this is a major concern. Popular radio skills like TuneIn, iHeartRadio, NPR One, and many others are essential for accessing your favorite stations. While these larger services will likely be prioritized, smaller or niche radio stations might face compatibility issues.

If your favorite radio station skill suddenly stops working after upgrading to Alexa+, you're not alone.

Performance Issues: Slower Response Times

Beyond compatibility, Alexa+ users are experiencing slower response times. Speed is critical for a voice assistant. Imagine asking Alexa to play your favorite morning show and waiting 30 seconds for it to start! This is a common complaint with Alexa+, making the experience frustrating.

The reason for this slowdown is the shift to more complex AI processing. Original Alexa could execute commands almost instantly. Alexa+ has to engage in complex inference, route the request through multiple AI models, and then execute the action.

Missing Features: The Promise vs. Reality

Amazon initially showcased impressive capabilities for Alexa+, but many of these features are still missing. Things like using third-party apps like GrubHub, generating bedtime stories, and brainstorming gift ideas were demonstrated but aren't yet available.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has acknowledged that more functionality is planned, but there's no firm timeline. This means you might be upgrading based on promises that haven't been fulfilled.

User Reviews: A Mixed Bag

User reviews of Alexa+ are all over the place. Some users praise its conversational fluidity and improved visual interface on Echo Show devices. One Tom's Guide reviewer noted that Alexa+ understands even her four-year-old daughter with a speech delay, successfully identifying her based on voice patterns.

However, others warn against upgrading entirely, citing device groups no longer working, skills being inaccessible, extreme slowness, and overall system instability. One user even recommended "AVOIDING UPGRADE AT ALL COSTS" because "the system is too broken for use."

TechRadio notes that Alexa+ is still in Early Access, essentially making all current users beta testers.

The Early Access Program Reality Check

It's crucial to remember that Alexa+ is still in early access. While Amazon has made it available to millions of Prime members, it's essentially an extended beta test. As of May 2025, only 100,000 users had access to Alexa+, demonstrating that Amazon is deliberately limiting the rollout to monitor systems and identify problems.

How to Opt Out and Return to Original Alexa

If you've already upgraded and are experiencing issues, you can easily revert to original Alexa. Simply say "Alexa, end Early Access." You can also manage your early-access enrollment through your Amazon account.

Radio Station Integration and Skill Challenges

For radio station listeners, the upgrade to Alexa+ presents particular challenges. Radio has returned to kitchens, bedrooms, and offices through Alexa, fundamentally changing audio consumption patterns for tens of millions of users.

Smaller radio stations and niche streaming services have no guarantee that their skills will continue functioning once their user base upgrades.

Privacy and Data Considerations in the Upgrade

Be aware of the privacy implications of Alexa+. Review your privacy settings and understand what data Amazon collects and how it's used.

Conclusion: Waiting Remains the Prudent Choice for Most Users

For most Alexa users, especially radio listeners, it's best to wait before upgrading to Alexa+. The early-access rollout has exposed significant problems that continue affecting user experience.

The ability to opt out of Alexa+ and revert to original Alexa means that upgrading is not an irreversible decision, but the burden of troubleshooting a broken system places unnecessary friction on users who should reasonably expect their devices to simply continue working.

As 2026 progresses and Amazon addresses the currently documented issues, Alexa+ will likely become increasingly compelling and reliable. For now, patience remains the wisest strategy for most users.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Shay Taylor-Allen | Med Student ⚕️ (@shayy.taylor)

"I was jumping so hard, I thought I'd break the floor," she laughed. Shay's path shifted during her sophomore year when her mother fell ill. While working at Yale, she connected with the hospital CEO for guidance, witnessing the power of advocacy firsthand. Now, after graduation in May, Dr. Taylor-Allen will join Yale's Department of Anesthesiology, ready to make a difference in the place where her journey began. It's a story of grit, determination, and a dream realized.

(STORY URL)

This year, they're transporting you to a land of wonder with the "There's No Place Like UHS" theme, a whimsical take on the beloved Wizard of Oz. Get ready to click your heels together and join us at the Binghamton Club, located at 83 Front Street, Binghamton, as we embark on a journey down the yellow brick road, all in the name of supporting our community's health. Festivities will commence at 6:00 PM, promising an evening filled with fun, fellowship, and fundraising.

In the coming weeks, UHS will be releasing additional information regarding the gala, so stay tuned! 

About the UHS Foundation

The UHS Foundation raises funds for state-of-the-art equipment, patient care facilities and community outreach programs that help New York hospitals UHS Wilson Medical Center and UHS Binghamton General Hospital remain leading providers of medical care in the region. The Foundation’s mission is to support innovation, service and quality at UHS by educating the community, attracting donors and managing gifts wisely. Their vision is to become the region’s health-related charitable organization of choice based on the communication of their cause, the care and service they provide to donors, and the stewardship of the gifts entrusted to them.

Johnson City Mayor Christina Charuk expressed her dismay, stating, "The complete destruction of these homes is deeply upsetting. We, as a community, will unite to support those affected."

Mayor Charuk has initiated a community volunteer form to streamline aid efforts and ensure residents receive essential support.

The immediate needs are extensive, ranging from clothing and hygiene products to basic necessities like toothbrushes. The city is requesting donations of new clothing, unopened hygiene supplies, and gift cards or cash cards to facilitate the rebuilding process for affected families.

Donations are being accepted at the Johnson City Police Station and the Your Home Public Library in Johnson City.

Mayor Charuk stressed the necessity of organized and thoughtful assistance, advocating for adaptable donations that empower families to promptly replace essential items.

You  can find the donation form HERE

Daytona 500 start time moved up an hour as bad weather looms

• Associated Press

Feb 14, 2026, 12:31 PM EST

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- NASCAR is moving the start time of Sunday's Daytona 500 up one hour because of the threat of inclement weather.

The green flag is now scheduled for 2:13 p.m. ET at Daytona International Speedway.

William Byron will try to become the first driver in history to win the Daytona 500 in three consecutive years when the 68th running of "The Great American Race" opens the NASCAR season.

Byron won last year's event in overtime after race leader Denny Hamlin got spun on the final lap, igniting a multicar crash. Byron ended up passing eight cars on the last lap to return to Victory Lane.

Kyle Busch earned his first Daytona 500 pole, landing the No. 1 starting position during qualifying Wednesday. It came as he gets ready to start his 21st Daytona 500 and tries to end the longest current skid in the garage.

107.1 The Bear's race coverage will now begin at 12:30 PM EST. Find out how to listen HERE.

There were quite a few commercials released ahead of time, but they're still fun.

Here's a round-up of some of the best ads in our opinion:

1.  Comcast Xfinity showed us how "Jurassic Park" could've been different if their internet never went down.  It's directed by Taika Waititi and brings back Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum.

2.  Ben Affleck puts a '90s sitcom twist to "Good Will Hunting" for Dunkin'.  Jason Alexander, Matt LeBlanc, Jaleel White, Jasmine Guy, and Alfonso Ribeiro bring back their iconic characters.  It also stars Jennifer Aniston, Tom Brady, and Ted Danson.  (I'd like to know the budget for this one.)

3.  Owen Wilson gets a Spanish lesson from Sofía Vergara to get ready for the World Cup coverage for Telemundo.

4.  Lady Gaga, Trevor Noah, Jisoo from Blackpink, and more reveal their favorite Pokémon to kick-off the company's 30th anniversary.

5.  Telehealth company Hims & Hers bring a powerful message: The wealth gap is a health gap.

6.  Novartis reminded you to "relax your tight end" . . . and get screened for prostate cancer with a simple blood test.  The ad stars NFL tight ends Rob Gronkowski, Tony Gonzalez, and George Kittle.

7.  And if you didn't get enough tight end shots there, Levi's kicked off their booty-focused ad with Woody from "Toy Story".

8.  The award for "most disturbing ad" goes to Manscaped for their singing clumps of body hair.

9.  Andy Samberg gets almost unrecognizable until he starts singing a parody of "Sweet Caroline" for Hellmann's Mayonnaise.

10.  State Farm wants you to STOP "Livin' on a Prayer".  Keegan-Michael Key and Danny McBride lead an off-key singalong starring Hailee Steinfeld. Jon Bon Jovi makes a cameo at the end.

11.  Chris Hemsworth thinks Alexa+ is out to kill him, and thinks of all the ways she could do it.

12.  The Wegovy pill brings out Kenan Thompson, Ana Gasteyer, DJ Khaled, Danielle Brooks, Danny Trejo and John C. Reilly.

13.  Serena Williams is also promoting GLP-1s for Ro.

14.  Budweiser celebrates its 150th anniversary with a Clydesdale finding a baby Bald Eagle, and nurturing a friendship.

15.  Liquid IV has a bunch of toilets singing Phil Collins' "Against All Odds" to remind you to take a look at the color of your urine.

16.  Ben Stiller fails at doing backflips like Benson Boone for Instacart.

17.  Post Malone, Peyton Manning, and Shane Gillis, and an entire wedding party go tumbling down a hill to chase a keg of Bud Light.

18.  There were also multiple movie teasers, including:  "The Adventures of Cliff Booth" . . . "The Mandalorian and Grogu" . . . "Disclosure Day" . . . and "Scream 7".

What were YOUR favorites?

Photo Credit: Stephen Shimer

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place in the main lobby of the UHS Vestal Salanger Outpatient Center as part of the American Heart Association’s nationwide “Go Red for Women” campaign. 

Photo Credit: Stephen Shimer

This year’s event shined a spotlight on the importance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the health benefits of pet companionship through “Best Friend Fridays.” UHS donated CPR training kits to local high schools and youth sports programs.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among women in the United States, responsible for one in three deaths each year. The good news: most cardiovascular diseases can be prevented through education and healthy lifestyle changes. The “Go Red for Women” campaign serves as a catalyst for change, empowering women to take charge of their heart health.

For more information, visit: 

American Heart Association - www.heart.org/

UHS Heart & Vascular Care - https://www.nyuhs.org/care-treatment/heart-vascular-care 

Watch the ceremony here:

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Below is a list of daytime warming centers and overnight emergency shelters. Hours may vary by location, and residents are encouraged to confirm hours of operation before visiting.

Daytime Warming Centers:

• Broome County Health Dept - 225 Front Street, Binghamton, NY

Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

• Broome County Public Library -185 Court Street, Binghamton, NY

Mon-Thurs: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM; Fri & Sat: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

• Broome West Senior Center -2801 Wayne Street, Endicott, NY

Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

• Chenango Bridge Senior Center -740 River Road, Binghamton, NY

Mon, Wed & Fri: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

• Deposit Senior Center - 14 Monument Street, Deposit, NY 13754

Tues & Thurs: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

• Eastern Broome Senior Center - 27 Golden Lane, Harpursville, NY

Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM

• Fenton Free Library -1062 Chenango Street, Binghamton, NY 13901

Mon-Fri: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

• First Ward Senior Center - 226 Clinton Street, Binghamton, NY

Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM

• George F. Johnson Mem. Library -1001 Park Street, Endicott, NY

Mon-Thurs: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM; Fri & Sat: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

• Johnson City Senior Center - 30 Brocton Street, Johnson City, NY

Mon-Thurs: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Fri: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

• Mary L. Wilcox Library - 2630 Main Street, Whitney Point, NY 13862

Mon & Fri: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Tues: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM; Wed & Thurs: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Sat: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

• Northern Broome Senior Center - 12 Strongs Place, Whitney Point, NY

Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

• Vestal Public Library - 320 Vestal Parkway East, Vestal, NY

Mon-Thurs: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM; Fri: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Sat: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

• Vestal Senior Center - 201 Main Street, Vestal, NY 13850

Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

• Your Home Public Library - 107 Main Street, Johnson City, NY

Mon-Thurs: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM; Fri: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Sat: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Overnight Emergency Shelters:

• Broome County Department of Social Services  - 36-42 Main Street, Binghamton NY

8:00 AM-4:00 PM

• UPComfort/Warming Center - 42 Chenango Street, Binghamton, NY

Sun – Thurs 6:30PM – 9:00PM

**Can be accessed after 9 PM via DSS emergency after hours phone number, 607-778-3885

• United Presbyterian Church – 42 Chenango Street, Binghamton, NY

Friday, January 30 and Saturday, January 31

5:00PM – 9:00AM both nights

• YWCA (for single women)

80 Hawley Street, Binghamton, NY

76 Conklin Avenue, Binghamton, NY

• YMCA (for single men)

61 Susquehanna Street, Binghamton, NY

• Volunteers of America (for single men)

320 Chenango Street, Binghamton, NY

BC Transit will be offering free rides to warming centers from Friday to Monday. County officials also urge anyone who must go outside to take steps to stay dry and warm, by wearing a hat, scarf, gloves, water-resistant outerwear and loose-fitting layers to trap body heat.

Warning signs of hypothermia include confusion, intense shivering, difficulty speaking, sleepiness, and stiff muscles.