If you own an Echo smart speaker or use Amazon Alexa on your phone or Kindle, there’s a great new feature that can make Amazon’s virtual assistant easier to understand.
Users can now speed up or slow down “her” rate of speaking.
You’ll be able to choose from seven speeds. Four that are faster than the standard Alexa speaking rate and two that are slower.
To activate, just say, “Alexa speak faster.” She’ll reply, “Okay, I’ll speak at this rate from now on,” using the new speaking rate. If you’d like her faster still, just say, “Alexa speak faster.” You’ll be able to increase speed to four different levels. I thought the first speed above the normal voice was plenty fast enough.
If you want her to slow down, just say, “Alexa, speak slower.” She’ll replay, “Okay, I’ll speak at this speed from now on,” using the new speed.
To return to the regular rate, just say, “Alexa, speak at your default rate.”