A new offering from Amazon uses "low level bandwidth" to create mini networks out of certain Amazon devices like door cameras. Photo: screengrab
SALT LAKE CITY — We share on social media and we teach kids that sharing is a good thing. And starting today, thanks to Amazon Sidewalk, electronic devices linked to Amazon accounts will also start sharing.
If you have an Amazon account and devices, you are already signed up.
Beginning June 9, 2021, Amazon’s new product will siphon small portions of bandwidth from so-called bridge devices (certain Ring cameras and Echo speakers according to a FAQ that Amazon provided.) With that bandwidth, Sidewalk creates a shared network that can be used by people setting up new Amazon devices nearby. Sidewalk can also help keep your own Amazon devices, like Tile trackers, online when they are out of range of your home network.
According to a FAQ on Amazon’s web page, Sidewalk devices include:
If you do not want Sidewalk enabled on your bridge devices, open the device on your Alexa app. Select more, then select settings. Select account settings, select Amazon Sidewalk, then tap on the toggle icon to enable or disable Sidewalk.