Can someone from Amazon share any insight? Basically, starting June 14, if you own an echo device your internet bandwidth will be shared with other devices, capped to 500mb/month. This option is enabled by default with no notification to users at all. Disable it in the Alexa app under account settings.
Isn't the new Apple air tag similar i.e it uses existing iPhones to search for air tags.
Yes
It's legal because you don't own the software that your device requires to run. You are instead a licensed user of said software and somewhere in the EULA for the software is a provision that they can change the terms of the agreement at any time. Plus you can disable the new "feature," so it's not compulsory, which is both to make customers less upset and a CYA move in case something like this isn't allowed in a given country or region.
I mean if people aren't notified about it, and it's enabled by default how is that not compulsory? Isn't having the option to disable it the minimum? Like imagine if you were physically unable to turn off your work computer, or if you were permanently logged on
Read a EULA, my friend. Most have a provision that they can roll out new features without user consent and that they can change the ongoing terms of the agreement without user consent. Let's flip this question. What law is Amazon Sidewalk breaking?
It’s kinda sketchy. I do think they should tell and ask the users. It’s similar with Xfinity/Comcast where they just create a guest hotspot for xfinity customers without asking for permission. And to turn it off you have to click through 4-5 different settings screens..
They are not selling your bandwidth per se. Think of it as your Alexa just using an extra 500mb/month as a communication overhead. I don’t understand why folks are so freaked out. I was more pissed off years ago when I realized Comcast was charging me for my router and simultaneously shared my internet. That said, I don’t own alexa devices anymore. They are kind of dumb. I only have 1 google home mini.
Cuz my internet connection would be slower when I didn't authorize it.
80kbps max. Are you using dialup or what? Just use some critical thinking. Also I’m pretty sure they measure you speed and won’t actually enable sidewalk on slow networks
How do you think Tile, Apple Tags, and a bunch of other devices work?
Yeah but that is understood when you buy those devices. This is a new feature, enabled by default, on Alexa devices. I didn’t sign up for this. You have to opt out not opt in. F^cked up!
Apple uses all their devices for it. You didn’t understand that when you bought an iPhone since tags weren’t even launched. Agreed Amazon should allow you to opt out anytime.
Seems to violate TOS of most ISPs. Ex: https://www.xfinity.com/Corporate/Customers/Policies/HighSpeedInternetAUP "1. Prohibited Uses and Activities resell the Service or otherwise make available to anyone outside the Premises the ability to use the Service (for example, through WiFi or other methods of networking), in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, with the sole exception of your use of Comcast-provided WiFi service in accordance with its then-current terms and policies;"
its literally ask you if want to opt out at setup... You know, compare to apple you actually can opt out
Probably cause some “Agree to the new terms and conditions” box popped up somewhere and 99.9% of people clicked Accept without reading it 🤷♂️
I can see how that could happen to a bunch of ppl, but I haven't updated my app in ages and don't have autoupdate on.. Don't know where that could have popped up without me noticing.
Are you a "member" as such subject to member agreements? 🔚😒