Millions of Alexa users are just realising you can change smart speaker’s NAME – but there’s a catch

AMAZON’S Alexa has a simple trick that lets users change the smart assistant’s name and voice. 

The catch? You can only choose from a handful of options that Amazon has elected. 

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Users can actually can opt for former basketball player Shaquille O’Neal or actress Melissa McCarthy to help fulfil their requests[/caption]

But it’s easily done.

First, open the Alexa app on your smartphone and select Devices. 

Head to Echo & Alexa and choose the device you want to change the name of. 

Then tap on the Settings icon, before tapping Wake Word. 

Finally, select a new name. 

Users can currently choose from four Alexa alternatives – Computer, Echo, Amazon or Ziggy. 

For those with more than one speaker, you’ll have to repeat this process for each one in the home.

You can also change its voice.

Open the Alexa app and select Devices, then Echo & Alexa and the device you want to change the voice for. 

Then hit Settings then Alexa’s Voice. 

Current options available include a female voice and male voice, as well as a gender-neutral voice, called Ziggy. 

But Amazon has also partnered with a pair of celebrities to bring their voices into your home.

Users can actually can opt for former basketball player Shaquille O’Neal or actress Melissa McCarthy to help fulfil their requests.

Users just need to say ‘Hey Shaq’ or ‘Hey Melissa’ to hear a selection of pre-recorded messages.

But unfortunately, they don’t offer the same range of responses as the automated voices. 

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