[OtinG]

Amazon has announced they will be releasing Amazon Siedwalk later this year, and it will be coming to some Echo, Ring, and other devices.

Amazon Sidewalk is a shared network, coming later this year, that helps devices like Amazon Echo devices, Ring Security Cams, outdoor lights, and motion sensors work better at home and beyond the front door. When enabled, Sidewalk can unlock unique benefits for your device, support other Sidewalk devices in your community, and even open the door to new innovations like locating items connected to Sidewalk.

What are Sidewalk Bridges, and which devices are able to become Sidewalk Bridges?

Sidewalk Bridges are devices that provide connections to Amazon Sidewalk. Today, Sidewalk Bridges include many Echo devices and select Ring Floodlight and Spotlight Cams. A comprehensive list of Sidewalk devices includes: Ring Floodlight Cam (2019), Ring Spotlight Cam Wired (2019), Ring Spotlight Cam Mount (2019), Echo (2nd Gen), Echo (3rd Gen), Echo (4th Gen), Echo Dot (2nd Gen), Echo Dot (3rd Gen), Echo Dot (4th Gen), Echo Dot (2nd Gen) for Kids, Echo Dot (3rd Gen) for Kids, Echo Dot (4th Gen) for Kids, Echo Dot with Clock (3rd Gen), Echo Dot with Clock (4th Gen), Echo Plus (1st Gen), Echo Plus (2nd Gen), Echo Show (1st Gen), Echo Show (2nd Gen), Echo Show 5, Echo Show 8, Echo Show 10, Echo Spot, Echo Studio.

And yes, it will be automatically enabled so when/if it comes to your device(s), you will need to manually disable it if you don't want it. I will definitely be disabling it, hopefully as soon as it arrives! I really have no desire to allow Amazon to screw up my WiFi, plus I have no need for Amazon Sidewalk. YMMV of course.

According to the email Amazon sent me, here is how you disable Amazon Sidewalk:

To disable this feature, follow these instructions. You must have the latest version of the Alexa app on your phone to proceed.

1. Click the appropriate link below on your mobile device to get the latest version:
   - iOS
   - Android
2. To open the Alexa app, tap Open. Or tap Install or Update, then Open when complete.
3. Sign into your Amazon account, if prompted.
4. Tap More > Settings > Account Settings > Amazon Sidewalk.
5. Turn Sidewalk off.