From Ars Technica · · 1m 40s
Amazon disables voice control of Echo AUX inputs
Amazon has removed the ability to control devices connected via AUX port using voice commands on older Echo speakers.
In brief
Amazon has removed the ability to control devices connected via AUX port using voice commands on older Echo speakers. Amazon disabled Alexa voice commands for AUX input on four older Echo models, though the physical ports still work and users can control them via app or Bluetooth. Originally reported by Ars Technica.
Amazon removes Alexa AUX control
Amazon has disabled voice commands that control devices plugged into Echo speakers' AUX ports. Users received an email this week confirming the change affects older models.
“This is a reminder that as of today, voice commands to control your Echo device's Aux input are no longer available.”
Four older Echo models affected
The change impacts the Echo Plus second generation released in two thousand eighteen, Echo third generation released in two thousand nineteen, Echo Studio first generation released in two thousand nineteen, and Echo fourth generation released in two thousand twenty.
Physical ports still work
The three point five millimetre AUX ports continue to function. Users can still listen to audio from connected devices and control the input through the Alexa app or by using Bluetooth instead.
Amazon says few users affected
An Amazon spokesperson told Ars Technica that very few people use voice commands to control audio from AUX-connected devices, suggesting the removal impacts a small number of users.
No explanation for the removal
Amazon did not answer questions about why it removed the capability or how many users are affected. A Reddit user called the removal enshittification, noting it was not a security issue.
“They had the functionality, it's not like it was a security issue or anything. I cannot understand the reason they'd simply remove a function beyond enshittification.”
Part of broader maintenance shift
Removing the feature may ease Alexa maintenance as Amazon invests in Alexa+, its new AI-powered subscription service. This is not Amazon's first removal of device functionality from purchased products.
The essence
Amazon disabled Alexa voice commands for AUX input on four older Echo models, though the physical ports still work and users can control them via app or Bluetooth.
