You Can’t Make Your Alexa Talk Like Samuel L. Jackson Anymore
In September 2019, Amazon announced a new feature for its virtual assistant, Alexa. Users would be able to change the voice of Alexa to that of actor Samuel L. Jackson. This was a highly anticipated feature, as many people were excited to hear the iconic actor’s voice coming from their smart speakers. However, as of April 2021, Amazon has discontinued the Samuel L. Jackson voice option. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this decision and what it means for Alexa users.
First, let’s take a look at why the Samuel L. Jackson voice option was so popular. Samuel L. Jackson is a well-known actor with a distinctive voice. He has appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, and his voice is instantly recognizable. Many people were excited to have his voice as an option for their Alexa devices, as it would add a new level of personality and entertainment to their smart speakers.
The Samuel L. Jackson voice option was available for purchase through the Alexa app. Users could choose between two versions of the voice: explicit and non-explicit. The explicit version included some of Jackson’s trademark swear words, while the non-explicit version did not. Users could also choose to have Jackson’s voice respond to certain phrases, such as “Alexa, ask Samuel L. Jackson to tell me a joke.”
However, despite the popularity of the Samuel L. Jackson voice option, Amazon has decided to discontinue it. The company has not given a specific reason for this decision, but it is likely due to licensing issues. Amazon would have had to pay Jackson for the use of his voice, and it is possible that the cost of this licensing became too high for the company to continue offering the voice option.
This decision has disappointed many Alexa users who enjoyed having the Samuel L. Jackson voice as an option. Some users have even expressed frustration that they paid for the voice option, only to have it discontinued a short time later. However, it is important to note that Amazon has offered refunds to users who purchased the voice option but can no longer use it.
So, what does this mean for Alexa users? Well, for those who never purchased the Samuel L. Jackson voice option, it doesn’t mean much. They can continue to use Alexa as they always have, with the default voice that comes with the device. However, for those who did purchase the voice option, it means they will no longer be able to use it. They can either choose to receive a refund or keep the voice option in their Alexa app, but they will not be able to use it to interact with their smart speaker.
It is worth noting that there are still other voice options available for Alexa users. Amazon offers a variety of voices, including male and female options, as well as different accents and languages. While the Samuel L. Jackson voice was a popular option, it was not the only one available, and users can still choose from a range of voices to customize their Alexa experience.
In conclusion, the discontinuation of the Samuel L. Jackson voice option for Alexa is a disappointment for many users. However, it is likely due to licensing issues and is not a reflection of the popularity of the voice option. Alexa users can still choose from a range of voices to customize their experience, and while the Samuel L. Jackson voice may no longer be available, there are still plenty of other options to choose from.