Alexa, hurry up! Amazon now lets you change the talking speed of the smart speaker to make it quicker or slower
- Bosses at the online company have now created seven different Alexa settings
- These include the standard speaking rate, four faster options and two slower
- It’s believed this will help elderly people, plus those with hearing impairments
Amazon customers can now adjust the speed of Alexa’s voice to make the virtual assistant speak quicker or slower.
Beginning today, customers in the US can ask the voice-activated smart speaker to converse slower or faster, depending on their needs.
Bosses at the online company have created seven different settings – the standard speaking rate, four faster options and two slower modes.
Users can simply simply say ‘Alexa, speak slower,’ or ‘Alexa, speak faster’ to adjust these. They can also reset it by asking it to respond at the default rate.
Speed selection: Bosses at the online company have now created seven different settings – the standard speaking rate, four faster options and two slower modes
HOW CAN YOU CHANGE THE SPEED OF ALEXA?
US users can ask the voice-activated smart speaker to converse slower or faster, depending on their needs.
Amazon has rolled out seven different settings – the standard speaking rate, four faster options and two slower modes.
Users can simply simply say ‘Alexa, speak slower,’ or ‘Alexa, speak faster’ to adjust these.
To reset to the standard speed, simply say ‘Alexa, speak at your default rate.’
If popular, the option will be broadened out to other territories, including the UK.
It is estimated that Amazon’s Echo and Echo dot smart speakers — on which Alexa operates — can be found in around 6.5 million homes in the UK alone.
‘We heard from customers that they would like the ability to change Alexa’s speaking rate for a variety of reasons,’ said Sarah Caplener, head of Alexa for Everyone.
‘Some of our hard of hearing and older customers shared how they love talking to Alexa and how she has become a companion but sometimes they would like her to slow down so they can better understand her responses.
‘On the other hand, some of our customers who are blind or low vision are used to consuming audio content and want to be able to listen more quickly.
‘We’re thrilled to introduce this feature to help customers further personalise their interactions with Alexa, and adapt the experience to best fit their individual needs.
‘We’re humbled by the initial response to this feature from customers who helped us build this and look forward to continuing to deliver impactful features for all our customers.’
So far, the company say they’ve had positive feedback from the function.
‘There are many people, including myself, who are hard of hearing and the ability to slow Alexa down changes the way we use and understand her,’ said Jerry, a 97 year-old customer.
‘Sometimes, I’d ask about the cast of a movie and she would go way too fast… even when I say ‘good morning’ to her, she talks way too fast.
‘When I ask questions where she has to list things, I would try to avoid those questions. I would consider this new feature of adjusting the speed a real bonus for me.’
WHY ARE PEOPLE CONCERNED OVER PRIVACY WITH AMAZON’S ALEXA DEVICES?
Amazon devices have previously been activated when they’re not wanted – meaning the devices could be listening.
Millions are reluctant to invite the devices and their powerful microphones into their homes out of concern that their conversations are being heard.
Amazon devices rely on microphones listening out for a key word, which can be triggered by accident and without their owner’s realisation.
The camera on the £119.99 ($129) Echo Spot, which doubles up as a ‘smart alarm’, will also probably be facing directly at the user’s bed.
The device has such sophisticated microphones it can hear people talking from across the room – even if music is playing.
Last month a hack by British security researcher Mark Barnes saw 2015 and 2016 versions of the Echo turned into a live microphone.
Fraudsters could then use this live audio feed to collect sensitive information from the device.
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