Amazon recently rolled out some new features to their Alexa-enabled devices, most notably the ability to now carry a conversation with Alexa without disturbing anyone else who might be resting nearby (ie, sleeping family members).
The new feature is called Whisper Responses Mode, and it allows you to use Alexa just like you normally would, only by whispering instead of talking out loud. Of course this wouldn’t make too much sense unless the action was delivered in both directions, so yes of course, Alexa will whisper right back–and let me tell you, if you do it with the lights out, it can be a bit creepy.
Whisper Responses work quite well and all you have to do is tell Alexa something like “Alexa, enable whisper mode” or “Alexa, enable whispered responses mode.” You can also enable it via the Alexa app by visiting Settings, Alexa Account, Alexa Voice Responses and adjusting the slider control for Whispered Responses.
It is quite a trip being able to whisper to a speaker and have it whisper right back. It works perfectly just as it is intended, when it comes to keeping a low profile while using Alexa. If you have to wake up early for work, you can ask Alexa to check the weather or the traffic conditions without anyone ever knowing. You just don’t want to ask her to play any music, as it will obviously defeat the purpose (although, she will play the requested media at a slightly lower volume, which is pretty cool).
The feature is available now as your Alexa should have already updated over the air with the new features. Get started by asking her to enable the mode, and whisper away. Just don’t creep yourself out like I did at first by doing it in the dark. Don’t have an Alexa? Well, what are you waiting for? Get with modern times and smarten your house up by buying one today! It won’t be long before it will be a norm for digital assistants like these to be a part of our everyday lives.
