There's an article on Ars Technica showing not only do these devices listen and record your conversations for and Google, but they can be hacked by add on apps by third party that can do the same.
For the folks concerned about privacy, you’ve reverted back to a “dumb” flip phone, right?
Because that smart phone that is with you everywhere - not simply at home - is a much bigger “privacy leak”.
As these home smart speakers mature, privacy controls are actually getting *more* attention and focus from the providers than smart phone tracking/monitoring ever did.
Given a choice on selecting vendors, a reasoned hierarchy from “more private” to “less private:”
1) Apple - (Siri, Phones) very vocal and proven track record of privacy concern, even fighting the Justice Dept. Primary business model is hardware and services.
2) - (Alexa Echo) primary business model is selling goods and services.
3) Google - (Google Assistant, Android Phone operating system, google search, advertising) primary business model is selling you and your info.
I love our echos, they are super handy and they have great sound! I wish music unlimited wasn't so expensive after the trial because it's pretty nice too.
This is a good deal. Unlimited is usually like 14$... Gen 3 has much better sound than Gen 2, though I think I prefer the micro USB power on Gen 2 over the barrel plug on Gen 3.
I signed up for a 90 day MU trial previously and was eligible for this offer. Overall it's a great service but it's hard to justify another $8 over the already commercial free Music that's included with Prime.
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Because that smart phone that is with you everywhere - not simply at home - is a much bigger “privacy leak”.
As these home smart speakers mature, privacy controls are actually getting *more* attention and focus from the providers than smart phone tracking/monitoring ever did.
Given a choice on selecting vendors, a reasoned hierarchy from “more private” to “less private:”
1) Apple - (Siri, Phones) very vocal and proven track record of privacy concern, even fighting the Justice Dept. Primary business model is hardware and services.
2) - (Alexa Echo) primary business model is selling goods and services.
3) Google - (Google Assistant, Android Phone operating system, google search, advertising) primary business model is selling you and your info.
Thanks!
Thank you!