Amazon has announced that it will stop allowing certain Echo smart speakers to process voice recordings locally. Starting March 28, 2025, all Alexa voice requests will be sent to Amazon’s cloud for processing.
Why is Amazon Removing Local Processing?
The change appears to be tied to the launch of Alexa Plus, Amazon’s new AI-powered assistant. In an email to users, Amazon explained that generative AI features require cloud-based processing, making local voice handling obsolete.
Amazon’s spokesperson, Lauren Raemhild, confirmed the change, stating that while the local option is going away, users will still have privacy controls, including the ability to delete voice recordings after processing.
How Will This Impact Echo Users?
Currently, the “Do Not Send Voice Recordings” setting allows some Echo devices to process commands on the device itself. After the change:
All voice commands will be sent to the cloud.
The “Do Not Send Voice Recordings” setting will be replaced with “Don’t Save Recordings,” meaning your recordings will still go to the cloud but be automatically deleted after processing.
Which Echo devices are affected?
This feature was only available on a few devices and only for U.S. users with English settings:
- Echo Dot (4th Gen)
- Echo Show 10
- Echo Show 15
Once the update rolls out, all Echo devices will fully rely on the cloud for voice processing.
Privacy Concerns & Alternatives
Many users value local voice processing for privacy and security reasons. While Amazon assures customers that privacy settings remain intact, some users may seek alternative voice assistants that don’t rely on cloud storage.
Home Assistant’s Voice PE is an option for those who prefer a non-cloud-dependent smart assistant.
Amazon’s move towards cloud-based AI is part of a broader industry trend. While this allows for more advanced Alexa features, it also removes privacy-focused options for users who prefer to keep their data offline.
As privacy concerns grow, users may look for smart home solutions that offer local processing and greater control over their voice data.
