Amazon's smart assistant has learnt to speak Shakespearean

Amazon's digital assistant Alexa has learnt to speak recite lines from the works of William Shakespeare, to mark his official day of celebration today. Users can ask Alexa to'speak like Shakespeare' for a variety of responses, as well as ask to recite a Shakespearean sonnet and soliloquy and even a famous insult. When asked to recite a Shakespearean insult, Alexa may reply, 'The rankest compound of villainous smell that ever offended nostril' from The Merry Wives of Windsor. The digital assistant may also reply, 'You starveling, you eel-skin, you dried neat's-tongue, you bull's-pizzle, you stock-fish' from Henry IV, Part 1. Alexa powers the company's Echo speakers, including the spherical fourth generation Echo released last autumn. Get into the spirit of Shakespeare Day 2021 like this chap in an Amazon promotional image.