Worried about Amazon‘s Alexa or other smart-enabled devices listening more than they need to? Then this ultrasonic bracelet might be the answer. Smart speakers, such as Amazon’s Echo line have faced increased criticism recently for their always-listening approach, and even leading to some wondering if the technology is worth it?
Smart speakers are a great solution for many people as they provide a way to listen to your favorite songs coupled with a virtual assistant that can do things for you, including controlling other smart home products. The problem is, these devices have to listen in to know when the user wants them to do something and that has raised many criticisms on how these devices perform, the audio they record, and what happens to that data. Privacy has proved not only a problem for Amazon and Alexa, but also Apple, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, and any other company that makes a device or app capable of recording.
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Researchers at the University of Chicago have now developed a prototype bracelet that can stop Alexa from listening in. The bracelet does this by outputting an ultrasonic signal which takes advantage of a known microphone exploit to disrupt the recording. As the signal is inaudible to humans, there’s no notable noise emitted by the bracelet, resulting in an experience that’s not only free from microphones, but also distractions. It’s not just Alexa it blocks either, with the researchers explaining it can be used to block any nearby microphones, including in smartphones, smartwatches, and voice assistants. The bracelet was even able to block the camera’s microphone used to explain how the bracelet works.
An Anti-Alexa Work In Progress Bracelet
Of course, the technology demonstrated here is not majorly different to commercial microphone jammers that are already on sale. What is different is the design and this brings with it some additional benefits. For example, and besides being ready to guarantee on-the-spot protection, the researchers explain the natural hand movements people tend to make will help to ensure any blind spots (that might have been missed otherwise) are blocked - making the bracelet even more effective than current solutions.
Needless to say, the product demonstrated in the video is not the most attractive bracelet. However, this is simply a proof of concept device and the most important aspect right now is that the technology appears to work. Once perfected, and if a company opts to sell these commercially, then it would be expected the technology could be scaled down into something more visually appealing and manageable. In theory, it could even end up in a smartwatch for the ultimate in Alexa protection, although whether it makes it to market at all will likely come down to investment and whether there are any legal issues surrounding a device like this.
Source: University of Chicago
