Customize Your Amazon Alexa with New Voices and Personalities
Explore eight voice types and five personality styles for your Alexa device.
1Introduction to Alexa Voice Customization
Amazon now offers eight different voice types for Alexa, available to Alexa+ and Amazon Prime members. These voices vary by region and include options beyond the standard or Whisper Mode. While these changes don't affect Alexa's accuracy, they add a fun, personalized touch to your interactions with the AI assistant. The customization is part of Amazon's effort to make AI more engaging for users.
2How to Change Alexa's Voice
You can change Alexa's voice by simply saying, 'Alexa, change your voice,' or through the Alexa app. In the app, navigate to Devices > Your Device > Device Settings > Alexa's Voice. Note that voice changes are device-specific, so you'll need to repeat the process for each Echo device in your home if you want consistency. This feature allows users to personalize their experience across multiple devices.
3Exploring Alexa's Personality Styles
Amazon currently offers five personality styles: Brief, Chill, Sweet, Sassy, and Original. Brief provides quick answers, Chill is casual, Sweet is encouraging, and Sassy adds playful wit (with an adults-only warning). These styles change how Alexa responds without altering its capabilities. The Original style remains available as a default option for those who prefer it.
4Changing Personality Styles
To change Alexa's personality, say 'Alexa, change your personality style' or use the Alexa app (Devices > Your Device > Device Settings > Alexa's Personality Style). You can swipe through available personalities and revert to Original anytime. Like voice changes, personality styles are device-specific, requiring individual adjustments for each Echo device in your home.
5Discontinued Celebrity Voices
Previous celebrity voice options like Samuel L. Jackson, Melissa McCarthy, and Shaquille O'Neal are no longer available. These were separate from current voice and personality options. Amazon has shifted focus to broader voice types and personality styles rather than specific celebrity integrations, marking an evolution in their approach to AI customization.
6Child-Friendly Options
For families, Amazon offers animal voices compatible with kid-mode Alexa devices. This requires an Amazon Kids+ subscription and English language settings. These specialized voices provide a more engaging experience for children while maintaining appropriate content, showing Amazon's attention to different user demographics in their AI development.
7Wake Word Customization
While voice and personality changes alter response styles, they don't affect the wake word. To change 'Alexa' to another wake word, use the Echo device's settings in the Alexa app under 'Wake Word.' This feature remains separate from the new personality options, allowing for comprehensive customization when combined with voice and personality changes.
8The Future of AI Personalization
Amazon's expansion of Alexa's voice and personality options reflects growing demand for personalized AI interactions. With eight voices and five personalities, users can tailor their experience more than ever. While these changes are primarily cosmetic, they represent an important step in making AI assistants feel more human-like and adaptable to individual preferences.
Original article: Engadget — Customize Your Amazon Alexa with New Voices and Personalities