Amazon has removed Alexa's ability to control audio from devices connected to an Echo speaker's AUX input. A company spokesperson confirmed the change, stating that very few users use voice commands for this feature. Users can still connect devices via Bluetooth, which is the more common method. Amazon did not explain why the capability was removed or how many users are affected.
A Reddit user criticized the move, calling it "enshittification" and noting the feature posed no security issue. Removing the feature may simplify Alexa maintenance as Amazon invests more in its subscription-based Alexa+.
This is not the first time Amazon has removed features from purchased devices. Last year, it eliminated the ability to block voice recording uploads from Echo devices. The affected models include Echo 4th Gen, Echo Show 15, and Echo Show 10.
Source: Ars Technica · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing