Amazon has announced that, effective March 28, 2025, it will discontinue the option for certain Echo devices to process voice commands locally. This change means all Alexa voice interactions will be transmitted to Amazon's cloud servers for processing, eliminating the "Do Not Send Voice Recordings" feature that previously allowed on-device handling of commands.
Affected Devices
- Echo Dot (4th Gen)
- Echo Show 10
- Echo Show 15
It's important to note that local processing was only available on these specific models for users in the United States with devices set to English.
Reason for the Change
Amazon attributes this shift to the introduction of Alexa+, an AI-powered upgrade designed to enhance Alexa's capabilities with more advanced, human-like interactions. The company states that these new features rely on the processing power of Amazon's secure cloud, necessitating the routing of all voice recordings through its servers to perform AI tasks effectively.
Privacy Considerations
Users concerned about privacy should be aware that, while the option to keep voice recordings entirely off the cloud will be removed, Amazon assures that recordings will be deleted after processing. However, disabling the option to save recordings may reduce functionality, such as personalized features accessed through Voice ID.
User Reactions
The decision has sparked negative reactions from some users, particularly those who valued the privacy afforded by local processing. Concerns have been raised about the potential loss of functionality for users with specific needs, such as the visually impaired. Amazon emphasizes its commitment to privacy and intends to focus on tools widely used and compatible with their AI advancements.
This move underscores Amazon's focus on advancing Alexa's capabilities through cloud-based AI, while also highlighting the ongoing balance between innovation and user privacy preferences.