Amazon has introduced Adaptive Volume to its smart speakers. This feature will allow Alexa to respond louder if you are in a noisy area. The mode will ensure that Alexa's voice is heard over background noises (such as people talking or dishwasher sounds) and it will not interfere with Alexa's ability to respond. Amazon states that this feature is available for US customers and can be activated by saying Alexa, turn off adaptive volume.
Amazon does not mention adaptive volume that works in the opposite direction. It will become quieter if there is no background noise. However, there are many other ways to dynamically reduce volume. Whisper Mode is one of these. If you speak to Alexa quietly, it will whisper back its response. You can activate Whisper Mode by asking Alexa for whisper mode to be turned on, as this relaxing video demonstrates.
Alexa experts recommend that you add a volume adjustment to a custom routine or bedtime routine to adjust the volume according to when it activates.
We gave Adaptive Volume a quick try with an Echo Dot sat next to a desktop computer with a spinning fan. It seems a bit inconsistent. Some Alexas responses were more loud than usual, while others returned to their original volume.
It is worth noting, however, that the Adaptive Volume feature doesn't work in the same way as the fourth-generation adaptive sound from the spherical Echo. This uses the device's microphones to adjust music to suit your room. It is not the first time that a smart assistant has tried to adjust its volume to suit the environment. Google Nests AmbientIQ promises something similar for spoken words or assistant responses.
