Amazon has announced it will no longer allow certain Echo devices to process Alexa voice requests locally, instead sending recordings to the cloud. The change applies to Echo Dot (4th Gen), Echo Show 10, and Echo Show 15 models, starting March 28.
Prior to this update, users who enabled the “Do Not Send Voice Recordings” option could choose not to send their voice recordings to Amazon’s servers. However, with the introduction of Alexa+, which brings generative AI features, Amazon has decided to discontinue this local processing feature.
The change means that voice recordings will now be sent to and processed in the cloud, and any previously saved recordings will be deleted. This move affects users who had previously opted out of sending their voice recordings to the cloud. The decision comes after Amazon expanded Alexa’s capabilities with generative AI features.
Source: https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/amazon-is-getting-rid-of-the-option-for-echo-devices-to-process-alexa-requests-locally-182627101.html