On June 8, Amazon is turning on Sidewalk, so if you have an Echo or Ring device, it will share your internet connection with any neighbor or passerby.
Amazon Sidewalk Explained
Sidewalk is Amazon’s attempt at building an instant mesh network. The idea is that all these connected Echos, Rings, smart light bulbs, motion sensors, security cameras, and so on will link together and provide coverage across the entire city. The benefit to you, Amazon says, is that your Tile trackers will always be online or your home security cameras will stay connected even if your internet goes down. But this is Amazon, so people are skeptical.
"Amazon has gotten a lot of bad press lately for its treatment of employees, and there are frequent articles about the kind of information the Echo collects from users. Sidewalk also feels like it will be more connected and ubiquitous," Gadget Review CEO Christen Costa told Lifewire via email.
When Amazon turns on Sidewalk, all of your Amazon smart home devices will automatically connect, whether you want them to or not. To opt out, you’ll need to use the Amazon Alexa app and dive into settings to turn Sidewalk off.
