Amazon has made a notable change to its Echo speaker lineup, particularly affecting users of older models. The company has recently disabled voice commands for the AUX input on select Echo devices, a move that has surprised many users.
Changes to AUX Functionality
For years, Amazon has been phasing out the 3.5mm audio jack from its Echo devices, with the last major model to include this feature being the fourth-generation Echo, released in 2020. Now, the company is taking a further step by removing the ability to control the AUX input via Alexa voice commands on several older models.
Affected Echo Models
According to communications sent to customers, the models impacted by this change include:
- Second-generation Echo Plus (2018)
- Third-generation Echo (2019)
- First-generation Echo Studio (2019)
- Fourth-generation Echo (2020)
While the physical 3.5mm jack remains in place, users can still connect external audio sources. However, they will no longer be able to use voice commands such as “Alexa, play from line in” or “Alexa, stop aux input.” This change has left some owners frustrated, as it reduces the convenience of controlling their devices using voice commands.
Amazon's Justification
In response to inquiries, Amazon stated that very few customers utilized voice commands for AUX playback. However, the company did not clarify why it decided to remove this feature or how many users would be affected. This lack of transparency has led to some dissatisfaction among Echo owners, especially since these functionalities are being withdrawn from devices they have already purchased.
The Shift Away from Wired Connections
The technology industry as a whole has been moving away from wired connections, particularly with smartphones and newer smart speakers. Despite this trend, wired connections offer certain benefits, such as reliability and ease of use without the need for pairing devices. As competition in the smart home market intensifies, especially with companies like Apple entering the arena, Amazon appears to be streamlining features on its older hardware.
For users who have been relying on their older Echo devices, this alteration signifies a loss of a small but significant aspect of their original experience. As Amazon continues to innovate and push its smart home ecosystem, the removal of AUX voice control may not be the last change users experience.
Source: https://www.androidauthority.com/amazon-echo-alexa-aux-input-voice-controls-3719987/
