Amazon will discontinue a feature that allowed select users to opt-out of sending their voice recordings to the cloud. The “Do not send voice recordings” option, limited to three Echo devices in the US, will be disabled on March 28th, 2025.
The move is linked to the launch of Alexa Plus, a generative AI-powered feature relying on Amazon’s secure cloud. In an email to users, Amazon stated that it would no longer support this feature due to its reliance on cloud processing power. The company claims to prioritize customer privacy and will continue to provide robust tools and controls for managing voice recordings.
Customers will still be able to delete their voice recordings after they’ve been sent to the cloud, but the “Do not send voice recordings” option will default to the “Don’t save recordings” setting. This change is part of Amazon’s focus on generative AI experiences, which require cloud processing power.
The feature was previously available only on three Echo devices – the Echo Dot (4th Gen), Echo Show 10, and Echo Show 15 – in English-speaking regions. Its removal may be a disappointment for smart home users who rely on voice assistants for basic tasks like controlling lights or adjusting thermostats.
For those seeking an alternative to cloud-dependent voice assistants, Home Assistant’s new Voice PE is worth considering.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/630049/amazon-echo-discontinues-do-not-send-voice-recording-setting