In April, Google announced it was bringing individual profiles to its Google Home speaker thanks to its ability to discern individual voices.
It got quite a lot of attention, not just because of the inate usefulness, but because it represented a major leg up on the Amazon Echo and Alexa.
Now, a few months later, Amazon has evened the score.
An updated to the Alexa app for iOS, Android and Fire OS, introduces individual voice recognition.
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It’s designed primarily for the newer Alexas Calling and Messaging features, so Alexa can perform the commands without asking who you are.
Shopping, music, news and more
Naturally, it’ll benefit shopping too. Amazon says it’ll allow Alexa device owners to “shop confidently” knowing Alexa recognises their voice.
“Once you set up the feature, Alexa will learn your voice (versus your spouse/partner/roommate’s voice) and be able to deliver a more personalized experience,” an Amazon spokesperson told The Verge.
“Today the feature is available for calling/messaging, flash briefing, shopping, and the Amazon Music Unlimited Family Plan, and it’ll be rolling out to additional Alexa features in the future.”
Will this change the way you use the Amazon Echo or other Alexa devices in your home? Share your thoughts @TrustedReviews on Twitter.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
