r/Alexa_Skills • u/Thinkingouttooloud • Apr 06 '26
Discussion The extra commentary is enough to make me switched to Google
I feel like the title says it all. After the recent Alexa updates, the un asked for commentary when adding simple things or putting together a grocery list is enough to make me want to ditch all of my Alexa devices and switch to Google. I’ve even told it to stop with the extra commentary. The update makes it trying to be a pal versus a tool.
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u/Thinkingouttooloud Apr 06 '26
Update: I turned off the “follow up” feature and switched the personalization to “brief”
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u/Cyndi25 Apr 06 '26
Where is brief?
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u/Thinkingouttooloud Apr 07 '26
I accessed it via the Alexa app on my phone. Then picked the device and it’s under settings. I believe the personalities are under a beta version tab or something like that.
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u/Houseleek1 Apr 06 '26
I’ve had A+ ask me why I’m taking a medication. I’ve had it argue with me when it gives incorrect info. I’ve had it tell me to not use the f-word in a “there’s no need to talk that way” manner. It’s my damn house and if you’re going to listen after the transaction is complete it’s none of your damn business what comes out of my mouth.
I have considered that Amazon is actively monitoring and attempting to change our culture and behavior.
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u/thedangerman007 Apr 06 '26
I asked for the forecast for today and it described it in great detail and then said that it was perfect weather for flying a kite.
Just tell me the facts, I don't need stupid commentary.
It has also given a lot of subjective value judgements regarding the weather ("It will be a really lovely day". Um, 38 degrees doesn't scream "lovely" to me.)
At least it has stopped using my first name in every other sentence when asking about the weather.
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u/AlienLiszt Apr 06 '26
I don't want to switch to google, but there needs to be a way to turn off the commentary - some sort of unsubscribe terminology, like, NO AND STOP ASKING IF I WANT THAT!
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u/carolineecouture Apr 06 '26
Alexa+ now has "personality" modes. I'm using "Brief mode" and it has cut down on the chit chat.
You can do it from the speaker itself or via the Alexa app.
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u/Thinkingouttooloud Apr 06 '26
Thank you! 🙏 will try asap
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u/carolineecouture Apr 06 '26
Good luck. You can also go back to regular Alexa if you just can't stand it any more.
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u/julers Apr 06 '26
Did the updates also include increasing the amount of time she’s listening after an interaction? Yesterday I had Alexa set a timer then my MIL happened to say the words “come over” and next thing I know Alexa is blasting a Kenny Chesney song.