Alexa owners warned of major change as popular perk is removed from the UK – and in the US you’ll now have to PAY for it
AMAZON is making some big changes to its Alexa Guard feature - which users on both sides of the Atlantic are unhappy about.
The tech giant is pulling the home security feature from the UK completely, while US users will be asked to pay for the privilege.
Earlier this month, UK users received an email saying: "Dear Alexa Guard customer,
"On the 31st of October 2023, we will discontinue support for Alexa Guard preview in the UK and all features will no longer be available. There are no additional steps that you need to take.
"Thank you for being a valued Alexa customer."
Brits are "gutted" and confused as to why they are losing out on a feature that the US is keeping - albeit at a cost, according to comments made on .
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"I would guess there is some sort of data privacy law that might be making it less cost effective to continue in Europe," one user theorised.
Another wrote: "Looks like they’re moving to a subscription model for 'Alexa Emergency Assist'."
"I’m absolutely gutted about this," one disappointed Alexa owner wrote.
"I’ve got it all set up so when we said 'Alexa I’m leaving' it automatically sets the alarm, starts guarding, and turns the lights off in all rooms. It’s such a great feature!
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"I really hope the wording of ‘preview’ meant there is a full version coming, otherwise this is a very useful feature vanishing for no real reason."
An Amazon spokesperson said: "Internationalisation of all of our products is incredibly important and we work hard to make all of the features and devices available everywhere our customers want them.
"As of October 31, Alexa Guard in the UK will no longer be available however, we are excited to be launching a number of new products in the UK over the coming months, these include Echo Hub, next generation Echo Show 8, two all new Fire TV sticks, Ring Stick Up Cam and eero Max 7.”
So, it doesn't look like UK users will be awaiting a 'full version' after all.
Another commented: "US resident here. Just received an email stating the service is being moved behind a subscription-based paywall.
"This is very unfortunate to see a feature we previously had access to for years being further monetised."
Alexa Guard let Amazon's Echo devices act as a home's very own guard dog.
The smart home Alexa device can alert owners to smashed glass to help stop intruders from making off with your personal possessions.
Not only that, but it can detect the sound of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms - so users can immediately know when something is awry at home.
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In the case of a potential burglary, Alexa can turn connected smart lights on or off to make it look like someone is home.
It can also integrate with security systems from Ring Alarm and HomeShield to really ring the bells on an trespasser.
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