Amazon’s recent decision to store voice recordings on its servers has raised concerns among users about data privacy. However, there are alternatives available that offer better control over user data.
For those looking for a change from Amazon’s approach, Apple’s HomePod line is an option. While some requests will still be sent to Apple’s servers, the company promises not to store audio data unless users opt-in. Additionally, Apple uses a random identifier instead of associating request data with user names, and this connection is severed after six months.
Google Nest devices also provide users with more control over their data. In activity settings, users can choose what is saved to their Google account, including voice activity. Notably, Google does not retain audio recordings on its servers by default, although auto-delete options are available for those who want to keep data temporarily.
While no voice-based smart home device completely eliminates security risks, Apple and Google’s approaches offer a better balance of convenience and user control compared to Amazon’s approach.
Source: https://mashable.com/article/amazon-alexa-alternative