Amazon Alexa Gets Its First Celebrity Voice

Samuel L. Jackson will come in a clean or explicit version
By Jenn Gidman,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 26, 2019 10:50 AM CDT
Alexa's Newest Voice: Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson arrives at the world premiere of "Spider-Man: Far From Home" on June 26, 2019, at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles.   (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

If Alexa's normal voice is too soothing and bland, you'll soon be able to have Samuel L. Jackson cursing at you instead, if that's to your liking. Per USA Today, Amazon announced a slew of new products and services on Wednesday, and among them was a notice that the company's virtual assistant would soon get its first celebrity voice—that of the Pulp Fiction and Snakes on a Plane actor. Consumers will be able to pick either a clean or more explicit version of the new feature, which, in Jackson's voice, will relay the weather, tell jokes, play tunes, and even sing "Happy Birthday."

What Sam won't be able to do for you, per Amazon: set up reminders and lists, or assist with shopping tasks. Not clued in to the actor's filmography? You can also "get to know him a little better by asking about his interests and career." CNN Business notes that even if a user initially chooses to use the more profane version of the new "skill," he can switch over to cleaner content at any time with a simple settings adjustment. For a limited introductory period, consumers can pipe Jackson in for 99 cents; after that, it will cost $4.99. (More Alexa stories.)

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