Alexa Can Now Speak As Quickly (Or Slowly) As You Wish

Alexa is now able to speak in seven different speeds. Users can ask "her" to speak faster or slower. The accessibility function has been available in the United States since July. 

Amazon Alexa, which is also known simply as Alexa, is a virtual assistant developed by Amazon. It is capable of playing music, interacting with voice, setting alarms, generating to-do lists, playing audiobooks, streaming podcasts, and providing sports, weather, traffic, and other real-time information, such as news. In addition, as a home automation system, Alexa can control various smart devices.

From now on, users in the United States can ask their assistant equipment to speak faster or slower. With this new feature, Alexa is now more accessible for users. With the lower speaking rate option, the hearing-impaired can now better understand their devices. In contrast, for those who are visually impaired or blind would want to hear in a faster speaking rate as they are used to listening to audio content.

 Alexa for Everyone Senior Manager Sarah Caplener said in a blog post:

The update brings to the voice assistant seven different speed rates including a default speaking rate, two slower rates, and four faster rates. In the increasing trend of technology enterprises attempting to make their voice assistants more helpful and accessible to everyone, especially disabled people, this is the latest development.

Recently, Apple has updated its Voice Control system. Meanwhile, Comcast launched eye-based remote control to support customers with disabilities. Besides Apple and Comcast, Google rolled out various guiding videos introducing some accessibility features of its Voice Assistant.

It is not clear whether or when the tech giant plans to expand this accessibility feature outside the United States.