
An Alexa app, pre-installed on the computer will let the users call up the assistant and see any information like weather forecasts, music albums and more on display. For example, in an adventure story or game, developers can give distinct voices to different characters.
Amazon is giving this choice to developers through their Polly text-to-speech service. Using Amazon Polly, you can choose a different voice for any utterance by using the Structured Speech Markup Language (SSML) and specifying an Amazon Polly voice using the "voice name" tag. The point of having access to multiple Alexa voices is so developers can build skills (apps) in which users interact with a variety of voices instead of just one.
Academics discovered that they could register voice assistant apps (called "skills" by Amazon and "actions" by Google) that trigger on very similar phrases.
Amazon announced a developer preview for adding eight Amazon Polly voices to Alexa skills. The text-to-speech service today is capable of things like whispering, speech marks, using a timbre effect, and dynamic range compression - all which make the voices sound more natural. The voices are only available in U.S. English, and include a mix of both male and female, according to Amazon Polly's website.
More recently, Amazon launched the "Remember This" feature for Alexa, essentially giving the virtual assistant a memory.
Related News:
-
Trump visits first lady at Walter Reed hospital
President Donald Trump had visited her on Monday, posting on Twitter and saying "Successful procedure, she is in good spirits". Last week, Trump gave a speech in the Rose Garden to announce a new campaign that she's calling "Be Best".Pak-Trained Man Planned High-Profile Assassinations In Mumbai, Arrested
The Maharashtra Anti Terrorism Squad has arrested a 32-year-old Mumbai based man suspected of being a possible suicide attacker. Mirza, according to the ATS , had received training in bomb-making, suicide bombing and use of weapons in Pakistan.Nuclear Deal: US can also withdraw from other agreements
This week's speculative buying was initiated by President Trump's decision on Tuesday to walk away from the Iran nuclear deal. Thousands later demonstrated across the country to protest President Donald Trump's withdrawal from the nuclear deal. -
Celtics, Morris shut down LeBron
He doubled his total over the rest of the game, finishing the game with a triple-double of 42 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds. James and Brown combined for 35 of the game's first 50 points as the Cavaliers jumped out to a 27-23 lead after one quarter.Weekend forecast: A little rain, a little sunshine
A slow-moving upper-level disturbance is expected to bring unsettled weather to the region late Monday into next weekend. The primary concern will be the chance for heavy rain with any storms. "Most of Sunday looks pretty good , " he said.Mars Helicopter to Fly on NASA's Next Red Planet Rover Mission
But JPL has made sure that the Mars Helicopter has everything it needs to fearless the rough environment on the Red Planet . According to Bridenstine, the success of the "marscopter" may enable more ambitious missions in the future. -
Lyft Follows Uber in Ending Forced Arbitration For Sexual Harassment Claims
Uber chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi said the move was "an important step forward in our commitment to safety and transparency". Back in February 2017, a former Uber engineer penned a personal essay about the sexual harassment she faced at the company.Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds is a surprisingly great singer
Glance quickly at the poster for Deadpool 2 (tagline: "From the Studio That Killed Wolverine") and you might worry slightly. This is the part of the movie that has the most spoilers, so see this movie before social media ruins it.Oil near multi-year highs as Iran sanctions tighten supply outlook
Treasury Secretary confirmed that the U.S. and Saudi Arabia have reached a considerable level of political understanding. Brent crude oil closed on the day of that message at $74.06, compared with around $77.30 early Friday in NY . -
Taraji P. Henson engaged to National Football League star Kelvin Hayden
Taraji does have another special man in her life, as mom to son Marcel Johnson, who is now 24. " I'm happy in my personal life ". While she was there to promote her music industry inspired hit show, everyone was focused on Taraji's happy news.Oil prices settle higher amid economic data
The tightening market has all but eliminated a global supply overhang that depressed crude prices between late 2014 and early 2017.Russian bombers BUZZ Alaska - US fighter jets SCRAMBLED for emergency intercept
They said the bombers were escorted by fighter jets and a reconnaissance jet that also acts as an anti-submarine platform. The statement said the Russian jets were "intercepted and monitored" but never entered U.S. airspace.