‘Alexa Built-In’ Phones Lose Key As Amazon Waives Apple And Google – GeekWire

Unlike Google and Apple, Amazon doesn’t have its own smartphone platform for native integration of its voice assistant, after the short-lived Amazon Fire Phone. However, the company has worked with some Android device makers in recent years to replicate the effect on its so-called Alexa Built-In phones.

Key selling point: The ability to activate and interact with Alexa using voice commands from anywhere on the phone, including the lock screen, whether or not the Alexa app is open.

But in messages this week, Amazon informed users that system-wide hands-free capability is officially ending for Alexa Built-In phones starting March 31, 2023.

A company spokesperson confirmed the plan: “We review our features regularly to ensure we are investing in services that will delight customers, and we have decided to suspend support for this feature.”

With the move, Amazon also plans to end its broader support for Alexa built-in phones, though decisions about further phone sales will ultimately be up to the company’s hardware partners.

Users will still be able to access Alexa on Android and iOS smartphones when the Alexa app is open, including the option for hands-free access within the Alexa app.

“It continues to invest in the Alexa experience within the Alexa app to provide customers with a seamless way to access their favorite features and experiences,” said an Amazon spokesperson.

The company didn’t provide more details about the reasons for the change, but provided additional evidence by noting that Android OS updates may affect the hands-free experience before March 31, 2023. Google updates Android regularly, and the feature relies in part on microphone-level access. the system.

The Alexa and Devices section is one of the groups Affected by layoffs at Amazon.