Amazon is discontinuing on-device processing for Alexa voice commands. All future requests will be sent to the cloud for processing, regardless of device capabilities. While Amazon claims this will lead to a more unified and improved Alexa experience with faster response times and access to newer features, it effectively removes the local processing option previously available on some devices. This change means increased reliance on a constant internet connection for Alexa functionality and raises potential privacy concerns regarding the handling of voice data.
Amazon has removed the "Do Not Send" toggle in Alexa's privacy settings that previously prevented voice recordings from being reviewed by human annotators. While users can still delete their voice history and choose not to participate in the "Help improve Alexa" program, automatic deletion is no longer an option, meaning some voice recordings will be retained for an unspecified period for ongoing model development. Amazon claims this change simplifies privacy settings and reflects the primary way customers manage their data (i.e., through activity deletion).
Hacker News users reacted with cynicism and resignation to the news that Amazon silently removed the Alexa voice recording privacy option. Many expressed the belief that Amazon never truly honored the setting in the first place, speculating the data was still collected regardless of user preference. Some commenters suggested that this move further erodes trust in Amazon and reinforces the perception that "big tech" companies prioritize data collection over user privacy. Others recommended alternative smart home solutions that respect privacy or simply avoiding such devices altogether. A few wondered about the technical or legal reasons behind the change, with some speculating it might be related to training large language models.
Amazon announced "Alexa+", a suite of new AI-powered features designed to make Alexa more conversational and proactive. Leveraging generative AI, Alexa can now create stories, generate summaries of lengthy information, and offer more natural and context-aware responses. This includes improved follow-up questions and the ability to adjust responses based on previous interactions. These advancements aim to provide a more intuitive and helpful user experience, making Alexa a more integrated part of daily life.
HN commenters are largely skeptical of Amazon's claims about the new Alexa. Several point out that past "improvements" haven't delivered and that Alexa still struggles with basic tasks and contextual understanding. Some express concerns about privacy implications with the increased data collection required for generative AI. Others see this as a desperate attempt by Amazon to catch up to competitors in the AI space, especially given the recent layoffs at Alexa's development team. A few are slightly more optimistic, suggesting that generative AI could potentially address some of Alexa's existing weaknesses, but overall the sentiment is one of cautious pessimism.
The blog post "Removing Jeff Bezos from My Bed" details the author's humorous, yet slightly unsettling, experience with Amazon's Echo Show 15 and its personalized recommendations. The author found that the device, positioned in their bedroom, consistently suggested purchasing a large, framed portrait of Jeff Bezos. While acknowledging the technical mechanisms likely behind this odd recommendation (facial recognition misidentification and correlated browsing data), they highlight the potential for such personalized advertising to become intrusive and even creepy within the intimate space of a bedroom. The post emphasizes the need for more thoughtful consideration of the placement and application of AI-powered advertising, especially as smart devices become increasingly integrated into our homes.
Hacker News users generally found the linked blog post humorous and relatable. Several commenters shared similar experiences with unwanted targeted ads, highlighting the creepiness factor and questioning the effectiveness of such highly personalized marketing. Some discussed the technical aspects of how these ads are generated, speculating about data collection practices and the algorithms involved. A few expressed concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse of personal information. Others simply appreciated the author's witty writing style and the absurdity of the situation. The top comment humorously suggested an alternative headline: "Man Discovers Retargeting."
Summary of Comments ( 98 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43402115
HN commenters generally lament the demise of on-device processing for Alexa, viewing it as a betrayal of privacy and a step backwards in functionality. Several express concern about increased latency and dependence on internet connectivity, impacting responsiveness and usefulness in areas with poor service. Some speculate this move is driven by cost-cutting at Amazon, prioritizing server-side processing and centralized data collection over user experience. A few question the claimed security benefits, arguing that local processing could enhance privacy and security in certain scenarios. The potential for increased data collection and targeted advertising is also a recurring concern. There's skepticism about Amazon's explanation, with some suggesting it's a veiled attempt to push users towards newer Echo devices or other Amazon services.
The Hacker News comments section for the article "Amazon to kill off local Alexa processing, all voice requests shipped to cloud" contains several interesting points of discussion.
Many commenters express concerns about privacy implications. One user highlights the increased data collection this change represents, lamenting the loss of even the limited privacy offered by local processing. They argue this move further solidifies Amazon's surveillance capabilities. Another commenter sarcastically suggests that this is Amazon's way of "improving" Alexa by forcing all data through their servers for analysis, seemingly at the expense of user privacy. Several others echo this sentiment, expressing distrust in Amazon's handling of personal data.
The practicality of the shift is also questioned. One commenter points out the added latency introduced by cloud processing, especially for simple commands that could be handled locally. They question the benefit of cloud processing in such cases and suggest it might lead to a degraded user experience. This is further supported by another user who notes the irony of initially promoting local processing as a feature and then quietly removing it. They speculate on the actual reasons behind the move, suggesting cost-cutting measures might be the primary driver.
Some comments delve into the technical aspects. One user questions the rationale behind removing local processing for newer devices, especially those with more powerful processors. They hypothesize that this decision might stem from difficulties in maintaining different codebases for local and cloud processing, ultimately favoring a unified cloud-based approach for simplification. Another technically-oriented comment questions the claim that everything was being sent to the cloud anyway, pointing out that certain functionalities like smart home device control benefited from local processing. They highlight the tangible difference this change will make for those features.
A few users offer alternative perspectives. One commenter suggests that local processing might have been a temporary solution while Amazon developed their cloud infrastructure. Now that their cloud capabilities are more robust, they might be consolidating their efforts. Another user cynically remarks that this move isn't surprising, given the general trend of tech companies centralizing services and data.
The overall sentiment in the comments leans towards skepticism and disappointment. Users seem concerned about the privacy implications, question the practical benefits, and lament the loss of a feature previously touted as an advantage. While a few offer alternative explanations, the majority view this change as a negative development.