The widely-used automation service, IFTTT (short for “if this, then that”), will no longer be integrated with Amazon’s virtual assistant, Alexa, beginning October 31st. The IFTTT team announced this development in a blog post, notifying users that they will no longer be able to trigger IFTTT applets through Alexa. While certain automations will continue to be available in the IFTTT app, others will be archived on November 1st, unless users take action.
For users who rely on specific phrases or questions to trigger their IFTTT applets through Alexa (“Alexa, trigger…” or “Alexa, what’s on my to-do list?”), IFTTT will provide an alternative in the form of an IFTTT button widget. This widget can be used within the IFTTT app or added to the homescreen of a smartphone. However, any other triggers established through Alexa, such as automations that activate when items are added to a to-do list, will be archived. To ensure the continued functionality of applets, users must also remove any Alexa ingredients from their setups.
IFTTT was once considered a powerful and versatile tool in the early days of smart home automation, especially due to its seamless integration with various third-party apps and services. Although it may have experienced occasional delays, it played a crucial role. However, the landscape has evolved, and now there are built-in solutions, like Apple Shortcuts, that offer deeper integration, increased reliability, faster performance, and most importantly, do not require a subscription for full functionality. IFTTT does offer a free tier, but it has limitations, including a two-applet limit and slower automation execution. Nevertheless, IFTTT still offers versatility, and the company has been introducing new features, such as AI integration, to keep up with evolving user needs.
The news about IFTTT’s separation from Alexa may trigger nostalgia among longtime users who fondly recall the service’s impact on the automation ecosystem. For those interested in exploring IFTTT’s capabilities even further or reminiscing about its heyday, it might be worthwhile to revisit the platform and experiment with its features.
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In conclusion, October 31st marks the end of the integration between IFTTT and Alexa. While certain automations will remain available in the IFTTT app, others will be archived unless users take action. Specific triggers reliant on phrases like “Alexa, trigger…” can be replaced with an IFTTT button widget, while other Alexa-based triggers will be discontinued. Despite the separation, IFTTT still possesses versatility, and the company continues to innovate to meet the changing needs of users. Though the automation landscape has evolved, IFTTT’s impact and legacy within the smart home ecosystem cannot be overlooked.
