In a move that caught many users off guard, Amazon quietly rolled out a new feature called Alexa Polls at the beginning of the year.
Designed to add an element of fun and engagement to the Echo Show, this feature presents users with random questions accompanied by images on the smart display.
Users then choose between the options, and the results are shared, creating a sense of participation among Echo Show owners.
Unlike some tech surprises, this feature is not a sinister ploy to pry into personal preferences. Amazon emphasizes that it doesn’t collect the data from these polls. Instead, the information is solely used to compile the overall results of the poll.
However, there’s a twist — a spokesperson for Amazon mentioned that while the company currently doesn’t use the data for anything beyond tabulating results, they could potentially leverage customer responses to “deliver a more personalized experience” in the future.
For those who enjoy the unexpected questions and the communal aspect of sharing their preferences, the feedback has been positive.
Amazon asserts that users appreciate the interactive and entertaining nature of Alexa Polls. On the other hand, the sudden appearance of these questions might take some users aback, especially since the feature was introduced without any prior announcement or fanfare.
One notable aspect is that not all users received these questions immediately, with reports indicating that some started encountering them only recently.
It seems that Amazon opted for a gradual rollout of the feature, perhaps to gauge user reactions and make any necessary adjustments.
If you find yourself among those who prefer not to participate in these impromptu polls, Amazon provides a straightforward solution.
You can easily disable the feature by navigating to the Settings menu, selecting Home & Clock, then proceeding to Home Content, and finally turning off the “Daily Settings” option.
In essence, Alexa Polls represents Amazon’s latest effort to strengthen the bond between users and its digital assistant. While some users may appreciate the interactive nature of the feature, others might find it surprising or even intrusive.
As technology continues to evolve, the balance between user engagement and privacy considerations remains a focal point, and Amazon’s Alexa Polls is another intriguing development in this ongoing conversation.
