Amazon recently introduced a significant update to its Echo smart speaker and display lineup, under the leadership of design chief Ralf Groene. The launch includes two new models of the Echo Show, marking what Amazon describes as a commitment to creating “products that customers love.” However, users have reported a notable drawback: the presence of advertisements.
Recent updates have introduced full-screen ads on Echo Show devices, labeled as “sponsored,” often appearing while the devices are in Photo Frame mode or during content browsing. Many users have expressed dissatisfaction, viewing these ads as intrusive. Current Echo models, including the last-gen Echo Show 8, have displayed ads for various products, interrupting personal photos.
Historically, advertising on Echo devices has been relatively subtle, but the new full-screen ads are more direct and frequent. While users can disable certain advertisement features, such as those in the Shopping category, the current format of ads does not offer similar opt-out options. The expectation for an ad-supported experience was not made clear at the time of purchase, nor are there any discounts for these ad-supported devices.
Despite the pushback, Amazon’s approach aims to integrate ads as a means to enhance the user experience by presenting relevant suggestions. This stance has sparked a debate over whether ads truly serve to add value or merely serve as a disruptive element. Users have attempted various workarounds to mitigate ad exposure, some suggesting a temporary change to settings that might elude advertisements.
As Amazon continues to develop its Alexa-enabled devices, the question remains: how will the company balance advertisement integration with customer satisfaction while cultivating a truly enjoyable user experience?
Source: https://www.theverge.com/report/797672/amazon-echo-show-ads-alexa-plus