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Alexa Gets Adaptive Volume Feature in the US
Now you can hear Alexa over loud background noises
By Rob Rich Rob Rich News Reporter College for Creative Studies Rob is a freelance tech reporter with experience writing for a variety of outlets, including IGN, Unwinnable, 148Apps, Gamezebo, Pocket Gamer, Fanbolt, Zam, and more. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on September 1, 2021 01:23PM EDT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Smart & Connected Life Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming If you're in the US and have an Amazon Echo, Alexa now can increase the volume to be heard over loud background noises. Separate from the 4th Gen Echo's adaptive audio, which adjusts sound output for music based on the layout of the room it's in, Adaptive Volume centers on Alexa's responses. The new feature is meant to automatically detect background noises, then adjust Alexa's volume accordingly. Amazon In theory, this makes Alexa automatically boost the volume for replies when your environment starts to get noisy. In practice, it seems a little spotty. When The Verge gave Alexa's new Adaptive Volume a try with an Echo Dot, sometimes the volume stayed level despite nearby ambient noises. Whether this was due to the location of the Echo Dot, the nature of the ambient noises, or the Adaptive Volume's performance remains to be seen. Amazon The Verge also has noted that Adaptive Volume only works for projecting over loud ambient sounds, not lowering volume for quiet environments. If you're interested in less intense responses, Whisper Mode will have Alexa respond at a softer volume if you speak quietly. Though since we already have Whisper Mode, there isn't much of a reason to add a similar function to the Adaptive Volume feature. At the moment, Amazon only has confirmed Adaptive Volume for the US. If your Echo is up-to-date, you can give the new feature a try by saying "Alexa, turn on adaptive volume." Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Alexa's Adaptive Volume: What It Is and How to Use It How to Fix It When Your Alexa Alarm Isn’t Going Off How to Remove Background Noise in Audacity Expert Tested: The 10 Best Smart Speakers in 2022 How to Turn Off an Echo Dot How to Find and Use Google Home Hub Hidden Settings How to Make Alexa the Center of Your Smart Home How to Put an Echo Dot in Setup Mode How to Use Voice Isolation on iOS 15 Apple HomePod Mini Review: Music, Siri, and More The 5 Best Headsets for Working From Home of 2022 Echo Sub Review: An Affordable Subwoofer for Compatible Echo Devices How to Fix an Echoing Microphone What Do the Echo Dot Buttons Do? How to Use Background Sounds in iOS 15 TaoTronics TT-EP01 Active Noise Canceling Headphones Review Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies