Alexa voice control for AUX input removed from four Echo models
Amazon has removed Alexa voice control for the AUX input on some older Echo speakers. The physical ports still work, but owners can no longer use commands such as “Alexa, play from line in”; the change matters because it removes a feature from devices people have already bought, with no reason given.
Affected models are the Echo Plus 2nd Gen, Echo 3rd Gen, Echo Studio 1st Gen and Echo 4th Gen, released between 2018 and 2020. Users can still switch the AUX input through the Alexa app and connect devices by Bluetooth. Amazon says few people used voice commands for AUX audio, but did not say why the feature was removed or how many users are affected.
- Alexa voice control of AUX input has ended on four older Echo models.
- Their physical AUX ports and app controls still work.
- Amazon has not explained the removal.
New here? Start with this
The AUX input is a physical port on speakers that lets you connect other devices like smartphones or music players directly via a cable rather than using wireless connections like Bluetooth. This feature has been standard on audio equipment for decades and gives users flexibility in how they connect their devices.
Amazon is disabling voice commands for this feature on four older Echo speaker models released between 2018 and 2020: the Echo Plus 2nd Gen, Echo 3rd Gen, Echo Studio 1st Gen and Echo 4th Gen. The physical AUX port itself will still function, but owners will no longer be able to use voice commands like "Alexa, play from line in" to switch to that input—they would instead need to use the Alexa app or Bluetooth connections.
This change is significant because it removes a capability from devices people already own without explanation from Amazon. The company claims few users relied on this voice command feature, but has not clarified why the function was removed or how many customers are affected by the change.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Customers purchased these devices with the AUX voice control feature included, and removing functionality from already-owned products without explanation undermines the implicit agreement between consumer and manufacturer. Even if few users relied on voice commands for AUX input, those who did have lost a feature they cannot regain through a simple update. The lack of transparency about why Amazon made this change, or any advance notice to affected users, shows insufficient respect for people who invested in these products.
The case against
Maintaining a feature used by only a small fraction of users creates ongoing technical complexity and development costs that could be directed toward improvements more people would benefit from. The underlying capability remains intact—the physical AUX port still functions fully, and customers retain alternative methods through the Alexa app and Bluetooth to access external audio. Retiring legacy features is an inevitable part of product evolution, and this change affects only the voice-control method, not the ability to use AUX input itself.
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Ars Technica as “Amazon kills Alexa’s ability to control Echo speakers’ AUX input”.