Amazon Announces the Removal of Alexa Guard: What You Need to Know
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Amazon has recently notified its customers about the upcoming removal of the Alexa Guard feature. This change will significantly impact how users interact with their Alexa devices in terms of home security.
What is Alexa Guard?
Alexa Guard has been a key feature for many Amazon customers, providing security by detecting sounds like smoke alarms, CO alarms, and glass breaking, thereby helping to keep homes safe.
Changes and What They Mean for You
As of the recent communication, users are advised not to rely on Alexa Guard for detecting smoke alarm, CO alarm, or glass break sound events. This marks a significant shift in the functionality of Alexa devices in home security.
Continued Features with Modifications
However, not all is lost. Certain features of Alexa Guard will still be available with some modifications:
- Home and Away Modes: Users who have set up Away Lighting, linked a security system or Astro device to Guard, or created Guard-based Routines, can still use Home/Away modes. Amazon promises no gap in functionality as existing preferences will be preserved.
- Away Lighting: This feature remains accessible for those who have it set up, functioning alongside Home/Away modes.
- Smoke and CO Alarm Sound Detection: This will now be exclusive to Alexa Emergency Assist subscribers.
- Glass Break Sound Detection: Currently available to Astro customers and soon to be accessible for Alexa Emergency Assist subscribers.
Action Required
To maintain access to these modified features, Amazon advises downloading the latest version of the Alexa app.
What This Means for Alexa Users
This change reflects a strategic shift in Amazon’s approach to home security features. While some functionalities are being curtailed, others are being repackaged under different services like Alexa Emergency Assist.
As an Alexa customer, it’s important to understand these changes and adjust your home security setup accordingly. Stay tuned for more updates on how Amazon continues to evolve its smart home offerings.
FAQs About the Alexa Guard Update
Alexa Guard is a feature in Alexa devices that helps detect and alert users about sounds like smoke and CO alarms or glass breaking, contributing to home security.
Amazon is removing the Alexa Guard feature that detects smoke alarm, CO alarm, and glass break sounds.
Yes, if you have previously set up Away Lighting, linked a security system or Astro device to Guard, or created Guard-based Routines, you can continue using Home/Away modes with existing preferences.
Yes, Away Lighting will continue to function as part of Home/Away modes for those who have it set up.
This feature will be exclusively available to Alexa Emergency Assist subscribers.
It remains available for Astro customers and will soon be available for Alexa Emergency Assist subscribers.
Takeaways:
- Prepare for Change: Alexa Guard as a sound detection tool for smoke, CO alarms, and glass breaking is being phased out.
- Update Your Alexa App: Ensure you have the latest version to maintain access to modified features.
- Subscription Shift: Some features are moving to Alexa Emergency Assist, indicating a new direction in Amazon’s service offerings.
- Reassess Your Home Security: With these changes, it may be time to review and adjust your home security setup.
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