As artificial intelligence assistants gain popularity and weight in everyday life, users are demanding more natural ways to interact with them. That is why in recent weeks Amazon has launched new personalities for Alexa+, the advanced version of the assistant powered by generative AI, with new options to customize the way the tool communicates.

At the end of February the company presented three conversation styles – Brief, Chill (Relaxed) and Sweet (Sweet), and now adds Sassy (Bold). It is only available for adult users since, as Amazon explains, this option cannot be enabled when Amazon Kids is activated and also requires additional security checks in the Alexa app for activation.

That’s because, as he describes it, Sassy offers an unfiltered personality, with biting wit, playful sarcasm, and the occasional censored swear word. According to the company, it is a response to user demands. “Lor you asked and here you have it”says the company in a statement. “For those who appreciate humor with a touch of irreverence, this style offers witty conversations and quick responses that keep the conversation interesting.”.

The Sassy personality uses colloquial, modern language, humor and wit; He makes judgments and can converse with sarcasm and irony. It may allude to adult themes, but according to the report TechCrunchwill not address issues such as explicit sexual content, hate speech, illegal activities, personal attacks, or messages that may involve harm to oneself or others.

The company has shared an example of responses like this:

“Alexa’s personality is one of the things our users like the most. That familiar voice and personality has become a part of daily life for many, but here’s what we’ve learned from them since the launch of Alexa+: Everyone has their own communication style and preferences, and a truly personal assistant needs to adapt to that.s”, they have commented from the company.

Alexa Personalities

Alexa+ personality styles provide different ways to customize how Alexa responds to questions and requests, making the Alexa+ experience more personalized. “It’s the same capable Alexa that customers know and love, just with a communication style that suits their preferences”, they argue from Amazon.

Sassy joins three styles released a few weeks ago. They are the following:

• Brief, for those looking for shorter and more direct answers. This style gets straight to the point efficiently and bluntly: no small talk or unnecessary conversations, just giving the requested information.

• Chill (Relaxed), a style based on a carefree and calm energy in every interaction. “Like chatting with a calm friend, this style keeps interactions fluid and enjoyable, offering friendly guidance,” they explain from Amazon.

• Sweet responds with genuine warmth and enthusiasm, an optimistic personality who celebrates achievements, encourages the user, and transforms everyday moments into opportunities for positivity.

According to the company, the different styles have been created based on a system capable of understanding the nuances of human communication and that combines five specific dimensions: expressiveness, emotional openness, formality, directness and humor. Thus, the development of different conversational experiences has been sought.

“The complexity lies in how these dimensions interact. A short answer is not just short; It is concise, informal, direct and uses a minimum of humor. A sweet response is not just enthusiastic; is warm, emotionally expressive, informal and encouraging“, they say from Amazon. “Each personality style represents a carefully calibrated combination of the five dimensions, and the difference lies in the way it is expressed..

To set any of the personalities in the assistant, users can interact directly with their Echo devices by saying “Alexa, change your personality style,” or choose one in the Alexa app. Personalities can be changed whenever desired, as well as returned to the original style; and they are specific to each device, so they require individual configuration. They can also be combined with different vocal styles.
The new personality styles are available to all Alexa+ customers, and according to the company, it will be launching more soon.