Google admits error over hidden microphone

[Eugene]

Source: BBC

Google admits error over hidden microphone

Dave Lee
North America technology reporter

20 February 2019

Google has acknowledged that it made an error in not disclosing that one of its home alarm products contained a microphone.

Product specifications for the Nest Guard, available since 2017, had made no mention of the listening device.

But earlier this month, the firm said a software update would make Nest Guard voice-controlled.

On Twitter, concerned Nest owners were told the microphone "has not been used up to this point”.

Business Insider was first to report the development.

-snip-

Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-47303077

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Related: Google says the built-in microphone it never told Nest users about was 'never supposed to be a secret' (Business Insider)

[gratuitous]

1. It is beyond me

Why anyone wants to put one of those little spies in their homes. I get the convenience aspect: Just tell the little whatsis to turn on the teevee or the radio or set an alarm, and voila! But the device is listening all the time. And who else may be listening to what the device is hearing? No thanks. But other people willingly install these things and then are surprised later.

[Wellstone ruled]

2. Just the tip of the berg.

They have been claims that their GPS Products contain mics also.

[Cirque du So-What]

3. 'Don't be evil'

That's some straight-up satanic shit right there.

[marble falls]

4. That's why its awfully hard to work up any sympathy for Jeff Bez ..dro93473393923 reffn

-------end of transmission-----

[GeorgeGist]

6. wrong eva'dur

[lpbk2713]

5. " ... has not been used up to this point"

"Hey. Would we lie to you?"