Alexa crashes leaving users across the UK unable to get a response from their Echo speakers

Alexa is DOWN: Amazon’s smart assistant crashes across Europe – leaving some frustrated users unable to turn off their alarms

Amazon’s virtual assistant Alexa crashed across Europe from 07:00 GMT today
There have been more than 8,000 reports of problems with the smart devices
Many users are saying they’re unable to wake their voice-activated Amazon Echo
Amazon has not confirmed cause of issue, which is also affecting Fire TV Stick

By Sam Tonkin For Mailonline

Published: 09:00 GMT, 21 January 2022 | Updated: 09:22 GMT, 21 January 2022

Amazon’s virtual assistant Alexa has crashed across Europe this morning — leaving some frustrated users unable to turn off their alarms.

According to Down Detector, a website that monitors such issues, there have been more than 8,000 reports of problems with the smart devices.

Issues first began to surface at around 07:00 GMT today.

When issuing voice commands to Alexa devices, users are either being met with silence or have received messages saying ‘something went wrong’.

Amazon’s smart assistant Alexa appears to have crashed across Europe this morning — leaving some frustrated users unable to turn off their alarms

Others are seeing a ring of red lights and a message to try again later.

It appears the issue is affecting Amazon’s range of Echo speakers as well as the retail giant’s Fire TV Stick and Amazon Alexa app for smartphones.

People across the UK have been complaining about the problems, while there are also reports that customers in Germany and Italy have been affected.

Angry Alexa users have taken to social media to complain about their devices.

Tony Sibley tweeted: ‘Trying to find my light switches this morning. #AlexaDown’.

Another user, Chloe Hardman, wrote: ‘Alexa is down and won’t turn our alarm off.’

Some say their Echo Dot is not working properly even after a hard reset.

The virtual assistant is built into millions of devices available in the UK, including smart speakers and home hubs, which can be used to control appliances around the home.

Amazon has been contacted for comment on the issue. The tech firm has so far not confirmed the cause of the problem.

Angry Alexa users have taken to social media to complain about their devices (pictured)

Tony Sibley tweeted: ‘Trying to find my light switches this morning. #AlexaDown’ (pictured)

WHY ARE PEOPLE CONCERNED OVER PRIVACY WITH AMAZON’S ALEXA DEVICES?

Amazon devices have previously been activated when they’re not wanted – meaning the devices could be listening.

Millions are reluctant to invite the devices and their powerful microphones into their homes out of concern that their conversations are being heard.

Amazon devices rely on microphones listening out for a key word, which can be triggered by accident and without their owner’s realisation.

The camera on the £119.99 ($129) Echo Spot, which doubles up as a ‘smart alarm’, will also probably be facing directly at the user’s bed.

The device has such sophisticated microphones it can hear people talking from across the room – even if music is playing. A hack by British security researcher Mark Barnes saw 2015 and 2016 versions of the Echo turned into a live microphone.

Fraudsters could then use this live audio feed to collect sensitive information from the device.

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk