In Case You Missed It, Alexa Now Has 4 Playback Speeds!

[Jeanie]

This seems big enough to give it its own topic... Alexa will now play at 75%, 100%, 125%, or 150% of normal speed.

Just ask, "Alexa, read slower/faster/at normal speed."

You do have to get the request just right or Alexa comes back with some confused response. ;)

We are currently limited to the four playback speeds listed, but the vocal quality remains good at all settings.

If you stop a book at one speed, switch to another and play it at a different speed, you can switch back and forth and each book resumes playing at its last playback speed.

Yes, I'd love more choices for playback speed, but I'm super happy to have these options now. XD

[Penelope]

Good news! I too would love a 90% speed, but this is a very big step. Thanks!

[Stephanie]

Oh good. This is great! While I don't use faster speed often (1.25), I appreciate being able to use it via my echo!

[Hunchback Jack]

This just changed my life.

A big reason for me buying a few Echo Dots was to listen to Audible audiobooks, but haven't done so much because they would only do so at normal speed.

Now I can listen at my usual speed of 125%.

Thanks so much for letting me know!!!!

[Jeanie]

Hunchback Jack wrote: "This just changed my life.

A big reason for me buying a few Echo Dots was to listen to Audible audiobooks, but haven't done so much because they would only do so at normal speed.

Now I can listen..."

Happy to spread the word. :D

[Clif]

I have had the unwanted experience of Alexa going too fast (approx. x1.25) when playing a radio station. I couldn't figure how to get it to slow down. Since it was going faster than the real time broadcast, it had to pause every 5 seconds or so to let the radio program stay ahead of it. Generally, it would speak at normal speed when I used it the next day.

I tried saying things like "Alexa, slow down" but it did no good. I'll try "Alexa, read slower" next time. Or maybe "read at normal speed."