Amazon is planning to automatically enroll owners of its devices in a program that would share a slice of their internet connection with neighbors.
Amazon confirmed in an email to USA TODAY that the program will launch on eligible Echo devices starting June 8.
Amazon Sidewalk is a low-bandwidth shared network the tech giant says will not only allow your devices to work better, but help locate lost items.
The network shares “a small portion of your internet bandwidth which is pooled together to provide these services to you and your neighbors,” reads a description on Amazon’s website. “And when more neighbors participate, the network becomes even stronger,” it claims.
Amazon says its Sidewalk feature has multiple layers of privacy and security to protect personal information, but users will have the option to turn off Sidewalk if they decide not to participate.
Ring owners with an eligible device can opt out by visiting the control center in the Ring app or Ring website. Customers who own an eligible Echo device can make changes in Settings in the Alexa app.
Amazon says customers who purchase an eligible Echo device for the first time will have the chance to disable Sidewalk during the setup process.
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Here is the list of devices Amazon says support Sidewalk:
- Ring Floodlight Cam (2019)
- Ring Spotlight Cam Wired (2019)
- Ring Spotlight Cam Mount (2019)
- Echo (3rd gen and newer)
- Echo Dot (3rd gen and newer)
- Echo Dot for Kids (3rd gen and newer)
- Echo Dot with Clock (3rd gen and newer)
- Echo Plus (all generations)
- Echo Show (all models and generations)
- Echo Spot
- Echo Studio
- Echo Input
- Echo Flex
Sidewalk will also be supported by Tile. Bluetooth tracker owners can use to keep tabs on their keys, wallet or other important items.
Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.