Recently, Alexa users were surprised when the voice of Amazon’s AI assistant changed automatically. Many folks described it as overly chatty, likening it to a “teenage girl.” One Reddit user summed it up: “The chattiness is a bit too much.” Another added, “I can’t take it.”
This change came with the launch of Alexa+, an upgrade introduced last year. The upgrade was marketed as making conversations feel more natural. Amazon stated that with Alexa+, users could express even fragmented thoughts and complex ideas, and the assistant would respond like a “trusted friend.” However, some users feel this update is intrusive.
Critics quickly took to social media. Many complained that the new voice was too energetic, especially in the morning. One user expressed frustration saying, “It sounds like I’m talking to a teenage girl—way too peppy for 6 o’clock in the morning.” The term “dystopian” came up, with users feeling like they had no say in the upgrade process. As one put it, “They are still forcing it on us. It is a forced update whether we like it or not.”
Despite the uproar, it turns out there are ways to change back to the previous voice. Users can easily adjust settings in the Alexa app. They simply navigate to “Devices,” then “Device Settings,” and choose from several voice options. For those wanting to revert to the prior setup, saying “Alexa, exit Alexa+” allows them to switch back.
According to recent statistics, customer satisfaction with voice assistants has varied widely. A study by the Consumer Technology Association found that 29% of users find their devices intrusive when they engage too actively in conversations. This suggests a growing concern around the balance between helpful interactions and over-eagerness in AI technology.
In many ways, this incident highlights a broader trend in technology—the need for personalization and user control in AI systems. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, the desire for a more tailored experience grows. Experts suggest that companies should prioritize user feedback to create an AI that enhances rather than disrupts daily routines.
As for Alexa users, it seems they’ve got some control back in their hands. It’s just a matter of exploring those options to ensure the assistant works for them, not the other way around.
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