Starting next week, all Amazon devices will be automatically opted in to their new mesh network. Should you opt out now?
Amazon is releasing a new service called Sidewalk, which allows people to share their wireless network with their neighbors over a low-power Bluetooth mesh network. If you want to read more, Amazon has published details on Sidewalk here. The main benefit would be expanding the WiFi coverage for low bandwidth devices. Amazon explains that Sidewalk would enable outdoor devices such as security cameras and smart lamps to stay connected even when wifi connection is lost as they are often at the edge of a home’s wifi coverage. Additionally, this service can be used for Tile trackers to locate valuables. While the service is free, there are serious privacy concerns.
For one, this service will be enabled by default. If you already own an Amazon device, it will be automatically updated and operational by June 14. The full list of devices that can act as Sidewalk bridges includes Ring Floodlight Cam (2019), Ring Spotlight Cam Wired and Mount (2019), and various Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Plus, Echo Show, Echo Spot, Echo Studio, Echo Input, and Echo Flex. Sidewalk connections are also built-in to Tile and CareBand tracking devices and Level smart locks. This means that the onus is on the consumers to proactively opt out ..
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