Amazon to Shut Down Echo Connect, Leaving Users Searching for Alternatives
Amazon has announced that it will be discontinuing its Echo Connect device, which has left users scrambling to find alternatives, including the Alexa Emergency Assist service. The Echo Connect, which has been on the market since 2017, allowed users to make landline calls directly through their Echo devices. The device is particularly notable for being the only Amazon product capable of dialing 911 directly.
Customers using the Echo Connect, including many elderly or physically disabled individuals, received the news of the shutdown with only three weeks’ notice to find a new solution. This abrupt announcement has created a sense of urgency as users now have to replace a device that was not only intuitive but also critical for emergency calling.
The decision to retire the Echo Connect seems unexplained, as the device is capable of Voice over IP (VoIP) calling, making it unlikely that the anticipated Public Switched Telephone Network (POTS) shutdown is the reason behind this move.
To pacify affected users, Amazon has promised a $10 credit. However, for those relying on the Echo Connect for emergency calling, the alternative is the Alexa Emergency Assist service. This service, costing $6 a month, provides users with access to trained professionals who can dispatch emergency services whenever needed.
Amazon’s decision to discontinue the Echo Connect has left many users in a bind, particularly those who rely on the device for emergency calls. With only a short notice period, finding a suitable alternative has become a pressing concern for affected individuals.
The Echo Connect, which allowed users to make landline calls through their Echo devices, will cease functioning on February 29th. Since its release in 2017, it has been the only Amazon product capable of directly dialing 911. This unique feature was especially popular among elderly or physically disabled users who required a convenient and reliable emergency calling solution.
The sudden retirement of the Echo Connect has raised questions among consumers. Its VoIP calling capabilities make it unlikely that the Public Switched Telephone Network (POTS) shutdown is the reason behind this decision. Amazon has yet to provide an explanation for the discontinuation.
In response to the backlash, Amazon is offering a $10 credit to affected users. However, for those who heavily relied on the Echo Connect for emergency purposes, the Alexa Emergency Assist service stands as the primary alternative. This service, priced at $6 per month, connects users to trained professionals who can quickly dispatch emergency services as needed.
As the deadline for the Echo Connect shutdown approaches, affected users face the daunting task of finding a replacement that matches the intuitive functionality and critical emergency calling capabilities offered by the Echo Connect. While the company’s credit gesture is a step in the right direction, concerns still persist regarding Amazon’s decision to discontinue a device that was highly valued by its user base.
Analyst comment
This news can be evaluated as negative for users of the Echo Connect, particularly those who rely on it for emergency calls. Amazon’s decision to discontinue the device with only a three-week notice period leaves users scrambling to find a suitable alternative. The market for alternative devices or services that provide landline calling and emergency assistance may see an increase in demand as affected individuals search for a replacement. Concerns about Amazon’s decision and the lack of explanation behind it may also impact the company’s reputation and customer trust.
