Commentary
Wearable Jammer Blocks Smart Speakers From Listening In
- by Chuck Martin , Staff Writer, February 19, 2020
In the world of gadget creation, researchers have now come up with a wearable device to jam microphones to assure conversations remain private.
The wearable jammer is worn as a bracelet and uses ultrasonic sounds to disable microphones such as those in smart speakers or even those that may be hidden.
“While these ultrasonic signals are imperceptible to human ears, they leak into the audible spectrum after being captured by the microphones, producing a jamming signal inside the microphone circuit that jams (disrupts) voice recordings,” states the researchers.
The bracelet is built in a ring-layout that eliminates blind spots and allows jamming in any direction.
The researchers at the University of Chicago found that their device jams more than 87% of the words uttered around it in any direction.
Since interactive devices and smart agents are always listening, awaiting their “wake” word, such as “Alexa” or “Hey, Google,” some consumers have worried that their private conversations are being monitored or overheard through their smart devices.
When activated, speakers in nearby devices include smartphones, smartwatches, voice assistants and cameras, are jammed so that what is heard sounds like static, as detailed in a university video.
Though somewhat large and clunky, the jamming bracelet is a beginning concept and attempt at restoring privacy around smart devices that can record.
It’s one step from unplugging.
Chuck Martin is Editor of the AI & IoT Daily at MediaPost and writes the daily Connected Thinking column. He is a NY Times Business bestselling author and his latest book is “Digital Transformation 3.0” (The New Business-to-Consumer Connections of The Internet of Things.) He is CEO of Net Future Institute and a frequent keynote speaker internationally. Follow him on Twitter @chuckmartin and contact him at Chuck@MediaPost.com.
I thought just wearing a copper bracelet kept away the boogie man. Dang, I'm going have to dig up my crystals.
This is crazy that you have to have anti technology to combat other technology that we really don't even need.
Guys, I'm working on a wearable helmet that blocks all ads---including TV---as well as anything else that tries to "spy" or "connect" or "track" the wearer. But you have to wear the helmet at all times to make it work. Any interest IPO folks? We should be able to make billions on this one---once I figure out how to make it. As for myself---I'll take 25% of the stock plus $100 million per year, guaranteed.
Could also just unplug, Mark.
Right, Mark, this one is a but clunky at the moment.
Ed, primary component, Tin Foil ????
Mark, it's a super secret ingredient that may be worth trillions---when I get it all worked out---are you listening IPO folks? Let's not wait, get the dollars flowing now---please.