Amazon adds Ziggy as new wake word for Echo devices

Customers in the UK can now try a new wake word for their Echo devices – “Ziggy”.  Inspired by David Bowie, “Ziggy” is the fifth wake word option for Echo devices in addition to “Alexa”, “Amazon”, “Computer” and “Echo”. 

Customers can change the wake word of their Echo device customers via the Alexa app or the Settings screen on Echo Show devices, and all wake words options can be used with either the male or female voice options for Alexa. To change Alexa’s voice, customers simply need to say ‘’Alexa, change your voice’’.

“We are constantly looking for ways to offer our customers more choices so they can personalise their Alexa experience,” said Dennis Stansbury, Alexa UK Country Manager.  

“The wake word is very important as Alexa devices are specially designed to only detect the user’s chosen wake word.  Our devices detect wake words by identifying acoustic patterns that match the wake word, so a lot of consideration goes into the selection.”

“We chose ‘Ziggy’ not only because it performed well in testing, but because it’s fun and reflects Alexa’s wealth of knowledge on everything from A to Z.   As an aside, I am a self-confessed David Bowie fan, so I am enjoying saying ‘Ziggy, play Ziggy’ and ‘Ziggy, play guitar’ to my Echo device.”