Over the last few weeks, Amazon has hit the headlines several times - and not for the best reasons.
Reports have claimed that the firm improperly records and saves users conversations on Alexa-enabled devices, including the Echo Dot Kids Edition.
In a bid to reassure its customers, Amazon has now launched a new way to delete voice recordings from these devices.
To access the feature, you simply have to ask. Customers can now say ‘Alexa, delete what I just said’ or ‘Alexa, delete everything I said today’ and the respective recordings will be deleted.
The feature will launch in the UK 'soon'.
Alongside this new feature, Amazon has also launched a new ‘Alexa Privacy Hub’, where users can find information on how Echo devices are designed as well as the controls they have over their Alexa experience.
These new features were announced alongside a new piece of hardware - the Amazon Echo Show 5.
Jorrit Van der Meulen, VP Amazon Devices EU, said: “With Echo Show 5, we’ve made it even easier and affordable for customers to add a smart display to every room of their house.
“The compact form factor is perfect for a bedside table or desk, plus it has a camera shutter for added peace of mind, and new Alexa privacy features that are coming soon to the UK for even more control.”
The speaker has a range of impressive features, including a 5.5-inch display, rich sound and HD camera. But several other features suggest that Amazon is really putting the emphasis on privacy.
As with previous Echo Show devices, the new speaker includes a microphone/camera off button that disconnects the microphone and camera.
However, Amazon has taken things up a notch, with the addition of a built-in camera shutter that you can use to cover the lens. This should help to ease fears of hackers spying on you through the camera!
The Echo Show 5 is available in Charcoal and Sandstone, and costs £79.99.
