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Last month Amazon introduced Alexa+ which uses generative AI to offer an enhanced version of Amazon's voice assistant software. It will do a better job of engaging in natural-sounding conversations, remembering things you've told it in the past, and have the ability to interact with other apps and services on your behalf.
But Alexa+ also requires a lot more processing power than the old school version of Alexa that's been around in one form or another for more than a decade. And that's at least ostensibly why the company says it's removing support for a feature that allowed users to have their Alexa voice requests processed locally on their Echo devices. Ars Technica reports Amazon has emailed users with the "Do Not Send Voice Recordings" setting enabled that this option will disappear on March 28th.
What if you'd be happy to stick with Alexa classic rather than Alexa+ in order to keep your data stored and processed locally? Tough luck. Why? Amazon's not really saying, but Cory Doctorow makes an educated guess that it's part of a strategy to position AI features as a growth strategy sot hat Amazon can keep stockholders happy… and the company can get away with altering the functionality of devices you've already purchased because the tech industry has influenced US law in such a way that consumers' only legal options are to go along with the change or stop using the devices.
Here's a roundup of recent tech news from around the web.
Amazon is removing support for processing Alexa voice requests locally on Echo smart speakers & displays. Starting March 28 all requests will be recorded and sent to Amazon's cloud servers, whether you're using Alexa+ or just plain old Alexa.
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— Liliputing (@liliputing.bsky.social) March 15, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Google is killing the "classic Google Assistant" on "most mobile devices" and replacing it with Gemini to bring generative AI to more phones. Gemini is also coming to more tablets, cards, headphones, watches, and other phone-connected devices.
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— Liliputing (@liliputing.bsky.social) March 14, 2025 at 1:41 PM
After launching the AYANEO Pocket S handheld game console with Android software an da Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 chip in 2024, AYANEO is preparing to introduce a new model called the Pocket S2. More details are coming March 17.
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— Liliputing (@liliputing.bsky.social) March 14, 2025 at 1:50 PM
The Steam Spring Sale runs from Mar 13 – 20 with select titles going for up to 90% off (and a lo more in the 25 = 75% off range.
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— Liliputing (@liliputing.bsky.social) March 15, 2025 at 2:54 PM
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