Amazon Discontinues Famous Celebrity Voices on Alexa, Customers Offered Refunds

Amazon is getting rid of its popular Alexa “characters”. THE Famous voiceovers included Shaquille O’Neal, Samuel L. Jackson and Melissa McCarthy, $5 each.

“After three years, we’re toning down celebrity voices,” an Amazon spokesperson said. “Customers will be able to continue using these voices for a limited time and can contact our customer service for a refund. »

If you’ve already purchased the iconic character from McCarthy or O’Neill, you’ll be able to use it until September 30. If you buy Jackson’s voice for Alexa, you can use it until June 7.

The Celebrity Voice feature is compatible with most Echo devices except the first generation Echo, Echo Dot and wearables, on Amazon. To use a celebrity’s voice, you can activate Alexa by saying “Hey, O’Neal” (or Jackson or McCarthy), then ask them to set a timer, set an alarm, tell a joke or story, or do any other trick with that specific voice. (as I mentioned Edge Previously, each famous “personality” on Alexa was limited. Amazon says celebrities can’t do “shopping lists, reminders or skills”).

You can still choose from a wide variety of accents for Alexa, including American, Australian, British, Canadian, and Indian accents. To change it, say “Alexa, change your voice” or go to your device settings in the Alexa app.

How to get a refund

Amazon said it was advising customers who purchased a McCarthy or O’Neill vote to stop in the coming weeks. (Jackson’s voice will be inactive soon, until June 7, and Amazon said customers who purchased his voice should be notified beginning in December.) If you buy one and want a refund, Amazon tells you that you can contact their customer service.

To get a refund, you can try going through Amazon Page service client. as Lint Pouch ReportsThe fastest way to get a refund may be to choose ” something else ” button then “I need more help” option, which should then open a live chat where you can ask questions about Alexa voice retrieval.

If you get stuck on live chat this way, you can also try starting over Page service clientLocate “Delivery, order or return” button, find your Alexa celebrity character, click “return or exchange” Then ” something else ” To get the chat prompt again.

If all else fails, try contacting Amazon customer service at 1-888-280-4331.

Learn more: Amazon pays $30 million for Ring and Alexa privacy notices: Tips to protect your smart home data