时间:2025-07-11 16:07:38 来源:网络整理编辑:探索
Smart speakers are error prone, leak personally identifiable information, and line the pockets of ba
Smart speakers are error prone, leak personally identifiable information, and line the pockets of bad actors like Facebook and Amazon. That said, if the worst person in your life still insists on owning one, the least you can do is buy them an Alexa-jamming device.
Say hello to Alexagate, a new ultrasonic speaker that fits neatly on top of most Alexa-enabled smart speakers. The idea is simple enough: while turned on and placed on top of your device, Alexagate uses "pulsed ultrasound to jam the Echo's microphone."
You clap three times to turn it on, and another three to turn it off.
"It is possible to shout through Alexagate's blocking, but we could only do it from about six inches away, yelling until our throats were hoarse," reads the product's FAQ. "Believe us when we say that the blocking is good."
The device costs $99, and is made by MSCHF — a novelty product company profiled by Business Insider in January — apparently for people too young to remember The Clapper.
The Alexagate is the latest in an ever-growing line of add-ons meant to protect you from the prying ears of your smart device. The best of which — a bracelet which emits ultrasonic noise to interfere with the microphones common on smart speakers — is meant to be taken with you, but is unfortunately not for sale. Notably, all these privacy-focused devices take as a given that smart speakers are recording users — even when not triggered by wake phrases like "Hey Google" — and represent a fundamental violation of users' privacy.
It's unclear, then, why the simpler, and more effective solution, is not offered for sale: that of a hammer.
SEE ALSO: The secret workforce that does the tedious work of the online economy
True, barring those who rely on smart speakers for accessibility reasons, the out-of-touch people who actually own Echos and Google Homes may take more kindly to an Alexagate gift than you wandering around their home and smashing their invasive electronics.
But hey, a return to some moderate semblance of privacy has to start somewhere — a fact that MSCHF is clearly counting on.
TopicsAlexaAmazonAmazon EchoCybersecurityPrivacy
Metallica to seek and destroy your eardrums with new album this fall2025-07-11 15:55
4 climate change apps every tech2025-07-11 15:51
'Gears of War 5' review: A highlight of the series2025-07-11 15:49
Justin Trudeau apologizes for wearing brownface in old yearbook photo, calls it racist2025-07-11 15:47
5 people Tim Cook calls for advice on running the biggest company in the world2025-07-11 14:45
Forget Windows Phone. Microsoft just revealed a dual2025-07-11 14:36
Apple Arcade goes live early for some iOS 13 beta users2025-07-11 14:31
Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey team up for 'The Office' podcast2025-07-11 13:52
Aly Raisman catches Simone Biles napping on a plane like a champion2025-07-11 13:34
Elizabeth Warren drops the perfect response when asked about same2025-07-11 13:32
The Weeknd teases new music in Instagram post2025-07-11 15:59
Huawei's Mate 30 will run Android, but won't have Google services2025-07-11 15:45
Someone has to make the family mac and cheese. I worried it couldn't be me.2025-07-11 15:32
Unpacking Mike Fiers' incredibly bizarre baseball beard2025-07-11 15:20
Whyd voice2025-07-11 15:03
Bruley, the famous 'Queer Eye' French bulldog, has died2025-07-11 14:41
Twitter's Trust and Safety Council feels ignored if you can believe it2025-07-11 14:22
Monica Lewinsky to produce 'Impeachment: American Crime Story'2025-07-11 13:51
Despite IOC ban, Rio crowds get their political messages across2025-07-11 13:44
What it takes to save the planet from the fashion industry2025-07-11 13:26