Amazon Echo will stop supporting local voice requirements from March 28, 2025.
Update applied to the “voice recordings”, which was limited to certain echo models – Echo Dot (4 Gen), Echo Show 10 and Echo Show 15.
In a few days, all applications submitted for Alexa will be processed via the Amazon cloud rather than on the locally on the device. Amazon announced echo users about changes by e -mail.
“We are addressing you to let you know that Alexa’s” not record “features that you have allowed on your supported Echo devices) will not be available for a long time from March 28, 2025,” E -mail reads.
“When we continue to expand Alexa’s capabilities using AI generative functions that rely on the power of Amazon Amazon, we have long decided to support this feature.
Update means everything says that their Echo device after 28th. Users who enable the possibility of “not to put recordings” will lose access to Voice ID, a feature that allows Alexa to provide user security responsible in houses with multiple occupiers for calendar events and music preferences. To maintain the functionality, users will have to add their settings manually.
Concerns for the security and protection of personal data
Amazon tried to reassure the user of their privacy in his notification and stated that “Voice voice requests are always encrypted in transit to the secure cloud of Amazon, which was designed with security layers to be safe.” The company also said that customers can manage personal data protection settings via Dashboard for Privacy Alexa or Alexa.
However, once the data reaches Amazon servers, it is in the company’s inspection. As mentioned Ars technicaAmazon and its employed will have access to decrypted information to be potentially monetized or used in AI training.
In the past, Amazon acknowledged that it collects data on third -party devices on Netwoks of users with whom Alexa does not work and that the stored data obtained through voice interactions are not always deleted.
Baclash
Recent changes have triggered criticism from Alexa users, with many expressing frustrations on social media. Some have raised concerns about personal data and data protection and questioned that Amazon must collect and store voice data for AI improvements.
The idea that a company that has access to personal conversations performed in the privacy of users have caused some users to concern. For many, local processing was a key reason for using Alexa, because it gave them more control over how data was treated.
Despite concerns about personal data protection, Amazon Echo remains one of the most used intelligent speakers. According to the statistus survey since September 2024, Amazon Echo has been the leading brand of intelligent speakers among American consumers, with more than 40 million Echo devices in American households. However, the sale of Echo has decreased in recent years as the competition and intelligent PLASSAUS speakers are increasing.
Echo’s hardware was sold at lower than its production costs historically, while the company considered installing devices in users’ homes investment in future income generated technologies. Amazon’s “worldwide digital” unit, which includes Echo and Alexa, operated in the first quarter of 2022, according to the first quarter of 2022, according to Business Insider.
Connection to Alexa+ subscription
Amazon recently announced Alexa+, signing that adds improvements and Alexa. Alexa+ was initially delayed due to technical failures, but it is expected to be launched at the end of this year.
Amazon says Alexa+ provides more contextual experience and improves interactions between Alexa devices such as ring cameras. The transition to cloud processing is in line with the introduction of Alexa+, suggesting that more features of the driven AI will rely on cloud -based cloud handling and point out a company looking for an increase in financial revenues in data collection, processing and dissemination operations.
What will be for Echo users
Echo owners who continue to use voice ID or other AI functions will have to have to capture and process all voice. Those who have repeatedly fried recordings can lose access to Alexa features that we are available before by default.
The shift reflects a wider trend towards AI -based models that offers more advanced skills, but raises questions about privacy, user control and data ownership.
(Photo: Unsplash)
See also: AWS strengthens ties with the Australian government in a new cloud agreement.
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