Amazon removes Alexa AUX control from Echo speakers without explanation

Amazon has quietly removed Alexa’s ability to control the AUX input on Echo speakers. The company did not provide a clear explanation for the change, leaving users and critics frustrated. An Amazon spokesperson mentioned that Bluetooth connections are still supported, which is the more common method for linking third-party devices to Echo speakers today. The spokesperson also suggested that few users relied on voice commands to manage AUX-connected devices, implying limited impact.

The decision has sparked backlash, particularly from long-time users who depended on the feature. A Reddit user expressed confusion, noting that the removal did not stem from a security issue or other apparent necessity. The user also referenced the concept of 'enshittification,' a term describing how companies degrade their products over time.

This is not the first time Amazon has stripped functionality from its devices. Last year, the company eliminated the option to block Echo devices from sending voice recordings to Amazon, a feature previously available on the Echo 4th Gen, Echo Show 15, and Echo Show 10. The latest change may be part of Amazon’s broader shift toward promoting Alexa+, its AI-powered, subscription-based version of the voice assistant.