Slashdot Mirror
Nest Secure Has an Unlisted, Disabled Microphone (androidauthority.com)
An anonymous reader quotes a report from Android Authority: Owners of the Nest Secure alarm system have been able to use voice commands to control their home security through Google Assistant for a while now. However, to issue those commands, they needed a separate Google Assistant-powered device, like a smartphone or a Google Home smart speaker. The reason for this limitation has always seemed straightforward: according to the official tech specs, there's no onboard microphone in the Nest Secure system. However, Google just informed us that it is right now rolling out Assistant functionality to all Nest Secure devices via a software update. That's right: if you currently own a Nest Secure, you will be able to use it as a Google Home very soon. That means somewhere in the Nest Guard -- the keypad base station of the Nest Secure -- there might be a microphone we didn't know existed. Either that or your voice commands are going to be heard by another product (like your phone, maybe) but Assistant's output will now come from the Nest Guard, if you happen to be in the range of that device. UPDATE: Google has issued a statement to Android Authority confirming the built-in microphone in the Nest Guard base system that's not listed on the official spec sheet at Nest's site. The microphone has been in an inactive state since the release of the Nest Secure, Google says. This unlisted mic is how the Nest Guard will be able to operate as a pseudo-Google Home with just a software update.
Ads. Tracking ads. Voice prints of known users talking about products and services.
Got a dog? Voice prints of new people who are friends. The words and terms they use.
The smart device is sold as a new product and service ready to respond and that is always on in the background.
A computer feels like traditional product that is used when really needed.
24/7 ads vs a few hours of web browsing.
Domestic spying is now "Benign Information Gathering"
Why would it even need weather? It controls the temperature inside the home. All it needs is a schedule and an easy way to override for when you're not going to be there.