Alexa Can No Longer Control Aux Input on Older Amazon Echo Devices
Amazon has reportedly removed Alexa's ability to control audio playback from external devices connected via aux input (3.5mm port) on older Echo speakers, according to a Reddit user and confirmed by an unnamed spokesperson cited in the article. While users can still use the physical port for connecting devices, voice commands like 'play' or 'pause' no longer function through Alexa. Amazon did not provide an explanation for this change when contacted by The Verge. This update affects only older Echo models with aux ports and does not impact other audio output features such as using the app to control connected speakers. It follows a pattern of recent changes, including last year's removal of a feature that allowed users to opt out of sending voice recordings to Amazon’s cloud servers. The change may inconvenience some users who relied on hands-free operation for external devices like MP3 players or turntables but is unlikely to affect the broader market significantly due to the age and limited use of these older models.
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Topics: 3.5mm Aux Port Alexa Amazon Echo Devices