The world is constantly evolving, and technology is spurring us along. The more we develop our tech, the more advanced we become as a species. Although, this does come at a price. To understand human needs, one needs to be a fly on the wall in consumers’ homes. So, Alexa’s home device has proved to be the best candidate. Although, according to some experts, this is why people say you should never leave your Amazon Echo Alexa device in your bedroom.
Amazon Echo Alex – always listening
In order for tech designers, and manufacturers to keep creating amazing inventions, they need to understand our needs. What better way than to listen in real-time to our conversations at home? The rawest and unfiltered type of conversation. The type you have when you think no one is listening. Although, if you have an Amazon Echo Alexa device installed in your home, then rest assured you’re never alone. There is an Amazon representative listening in to all the conversations you have near your Alexa.
The Amazon Echo Alexa is a nifty device that is highly sought after amongst modern consumers. It is an AI device that you can use your voice to tell it what to do. It has many different functions, like controlling the downlights, the air conditioning, heating, music, and so much more. With an Amazon Echo Alexa, you can transform your home into a smart device.
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Keep it out of the bedroom
To keep the device at top-performing abilities, the Amazon team is constantly trying to improve Alexa’s ability to understand its owner’s commands. So, they have a team of people listening to the conversations around the devices. This is possible because Amazon Echo Alexa is designed to be always listening. This way, it is ready to jump to our commands at any moment.
However, experts have realized that if Amazon Echo Alexa is always listening, does that mean it hears everything? Even the most intimate moments shared with your spouse. That idea could give anyone the chills. So, they have recommended that you keep your Alexa in the living room, kitchen, or office. But, never in the bedroom or the bathroom, for that matter. That way, you can avoid any awkward recordings. Dr. Hannah Fry, a mathematician and expert on tech company algorithms at University College London noted how the Alexa devices might not constantly be listening, but they continue to listen a few moments after the command was given.
Dr. Dry says, “it keeps recording for a short period afterward.” She continues by saying, “[she] thinks there are some spaces in your home, like the bedroom and bathroom, which should remain completely private. This technology is activated by a trigger word but it keeps recording for a short period afterward. People accept that, but we should all spend more time thinking about what it means for us.”
Not for the ordinary
Seeing as so many people might be outraged if they knew they were being spied on through their Amazon Echo Alexa device, Amazon quickly denied ever listening to ordinary people. They say their focus is on corporations. However, some rumors of items of people listening in to over 1000 recordings every day have been proven true.
Dr. Fry mentioned how some high-level members of society will keep their smartphones out of the bedroom. “There are people who are very senior in the tech world who will not have so much as a smartphone in their bedroom. I have both an Alexa and a Google voice-activated device and I regularly turn them both off. People really must set their own limits.”
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