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Ad Networks Using Inaudible Sound To Link Phones, Tablets and Other Devices (arstechnica.com)

Posted by timothy on from the high-keening-wail dept.

ourlovecanlastforeve writes with a link to Ars Technica's report of a new way for ads to narrow in on their target: high-pitched sounds that can make ad tracking cross devices and contexts. From the article: The ultrasonic pitches are embedded into TV commercials or are played when a user encounters an ad displayed in a computer browser. While the sound can't be heard by the human ear, nearby tablets and smartphones can detect it. When they do, browser cookies can now pair a single user to multiple devices and keep track of what TV commercials the person sees, how long the person watches the ads, and whether the person acts on the ads by doing a Web search or buying a product.

2 of 223 comments (clear)

  1. Re: Microphone access. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    But does it improve your battery life?

  2. Re:Ultrasonic jammer by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    Well you do kinda bug me.

    Thanks folks I will be here all week.