The Cookout

[Deleted member 1475]

I'm referring to portable home devices such as Alexa, Cortana and Google Assistant.

Do you own any Virtual Assistant Technology devices? Do you have any suspicions based on them?

 

[Sovereign]

There's definitely a convenience factor but we cannot overlook the fact that they are always listening. When I had a Galaxy S it constantly listened to me and would recommend links and GPS directions based on my conversations I was having in the real world. I didn't like that.

 

[Whisel55]

I do worry if my Google device is spying sometimes. I keep from saying to much around it.

 

[Deleted member 1475]

I do worry if my Google device is spying sometimes. I keep from saying to much around it.

I tend to turn my device off by unplugging it when I want to talk in private or watch specific videos without earphones. But the problem is, a lot of information can still be revealed with your own phone like Google Assistant or Siri. Same with Internet browsers, websites and certain apps that include algorithms. Which is all of them. Every bit of interactive technology requires the information of others so you can't really escape being spied on in one way or another. So long as nobody's watching me while I sleep or take a shower then I'm fine lol

 

[Whisel55]

I tend to turn my device off by unplugging it when I want to talk in private or watch specific videos without earphones. But the problem is, a lot of information can still be revealed with your own phone like Google Assistant or Siri. Same with Internet browsers, websites and certain apps that include algorithms. Which is all of them. Every bit of interactive technology requires the information of others so you can't really escape being spied on in one way or another. So long as nobody's watching me while I sleep or take a shower then I'm fine lol

I hear you. I cover my phone or leave it in another room when I change clothes. I am also holding back on getting a smart tv 😂. I may seem paranoid but I guess it’s the old school in me.

 

[Stan Zero]

I haven't purchased any of them yet myself. I was going to pick up an Alexa device, but decided not to, as I am already connected to my phone most of the time, so having it would be overkill for me. But I know some people who would be down to using them.

There's definitely a convenience factor but we cannot overlook the fact that they are always listening. When I had a Galaxy S it constantly listened to me and would recommend links and GPS directions based on my conversations I was having in the real world. I didn't like that.

Yeah that aspect of it isn't very appealing to me. I believe on newer devices you can turn a setting off to stop that, but I am not 100% sure. With Alexa and Googles side always have to be listening to catch your questions, but even so, it's weird because we don't know if they are recording us as well.

 

[Sovereign]

I do worry if my Google device is spying sometimes. I keep from saying to much around it.

I tend to turn my device off by unplugging it when I want to talk in private or watch specific videos without earphones. But the problem is, a lot of information can still be revealed with your own phone like Google Assistant or Siri. Same with Internet browsers, websites and certain apps that include algorithms. Which is all of them. Every bit of interactive technology requires the information of others so you can't really escape being spied on in one way or another. So long as nobody's watching me while I sleep or take a shower then I'm fine lol

If the battery is in the phone the microphone can be activated which is scary. With modern smart phones the battery cannot be removed so the government can always tap it with ease.

 

[Real One]

I have an Alexa that I disconnected a year or two ago. Not due to being listened to, honestly don't care much about that. All they will get from me is how I argue with my family. I didn't use the device much anyway, maybe asked it a few questions and then I just started to use my phone for most questions I had. But I get that it's useful for some people. I just don't need it.

 

[TekhNiqo]

More than suspicions those devices are listening and they steal data. For the next week just start talking about buying a new car and watch how car advertisements will start popping up over YouTube or whatever search engine you use. How companies abuse their access to "big data" should be criminal but it's only illegal if you do it. I accept the risks when I use certain devices, like my Iphone which annouced publicly that they allow government agencies (Like the FBI) the right to use your camera at their discretion.

 

[Georgiacarolina]

Gotta admit, I don’t and will never have any such spying devices in my home.