OT:Echo dot

[plm]

I’d rather live with spyware. The specific “Alexa” keyword is processed locally and sent to cloud if that phrase is heard so its listening 24/7 but not spying 24/7. Just sends the phrase that you say after “Alexa” to the cloud. Since Amazon allows third party services it’s easier to process in the cloud rather than Amazon having to update each echo device. Preferable to do it this way instead of installing third party apps on the echos because the true worry to me would be if the firmware on the device gets hacked and then it could be spying on you 24/7.

[spdrun]

You’re assuming that Bezos & Co can be trusted not to monetize conversations. It would be nice to overhear a convo about TVs and start helpfully suggesting new TVs once you log in to Amazon via the Web…

If you want spyware to keep you safe, you’re just a big ‘ol wuss!

[plm]

Once you start seeing targeted ads based on private conversations, it would be fairly obvious that Amazon is spying so they can’t really do that. I’d worry more about the government spying.

You can decide if you want to be a wuss and have Alexa alert 911 to save your life or get eaten alive by your cat. I don’t have a problem calling 911 if there is an emergency.

[FlyerInHi]

[quote=spdrun]You’re assuming that Bezos & Co can be trusted not to monetize conversations. It would be nice to overhear a convo about TVs and start helpfully suggesting new TVs once you log in to Amazon via the Web…

If you want spyware to keep you safe, you’re just a big ‘ol wuss![/quote]

You have cause to worry about monetization. Cable boxes are prevented by law to track viewing habits but smart devices and Smart TVs can. That’s their loophole. Read the fine print.

[FlyerInHi]

[quote=spdrun]FlyerInHI: fortunately, disconnected cars are still easy to buy, at least used. When they’re outlawed, I’ll leave this c#ntery and live somewhere less developed where laws are less strictly enforced.

As far as fridge cameras and sensors, nothing an icepick won’t fix. Tap. *CRACK*[/quote]

All cars and all devices will be connected, even if you don’t subscribe. That’s the way It’s going. It’s the drive to monetize. If you want convenience, you have no choice but to assimilate.

You do make good points about privacy. But the only way to resolve is for the government to step in and protect consumers. But the tech companies will argue that’s that America’s competitive advantage and we don’t don’t want to kill the golden goose.

[spdrun]

Currently, driving a used car is still legal. The right car can be nursed along for 50-60 years… When they make it illegak, it will be time to move to somewhere less reliant on tech.

As far as convenience, I don’t particularly give a fuck. I’d sooner live quietly and privately in a Latin American Or South European backwater than be first in the world. Proud beta male here. Innovation is overrated.

[FlyerInHi]

spdrun, nursing a car along is expensive.

My friend got a 3 year lease on a compliance electric Fiat. $55 per month including tax. 10000 mile per. Practically free. That car is so cute!!! And it’s connected.

Compliance cars rise to 3% next year in CA. Look for special deals in December!

[spdrun]

Also about as useful as tits on a boarhog in areas with good transit. I need the car for longer trips, not in town.

I’m handy. I can keep something like a Miata or old Mercedes going just about forever. The Mercedes will even run without a functional electrical system and is smog exempt in most of USA.

Nj also just exempted all pre 96 cars from smog… 🙂

[moneymaker]

I found a solution to my issue although I’m not willing to make it public for security reasons. As far as tits go I’m not really sure why i have them and male mice don’t, but that’s another story (actually I do know the why? but just thought I’d throw that out there). Will the DOW cross 20k today? Can’t believe it got within .37 points last week and didn’t break through. Just how expensive is gas in TJ? Inquiring minds want to know.

[FlyerInHi]

I don’t care for voice control. But that’s apparently what consumers want.

http://www.fool.com/amp/investing/2017/01/06/ces-2017-the-1-thing-americans-want-most-in-a-smar.aspx

[spdrun]

The ironic thing is that most of the listed applications of voice control can be strictly local. Basically, all except shopping.

[ucodegen]

[quote=spdrun]The ironic thing is that most of the listed applications of voice control can be strictly local. Basically, all except shopping.[/quote]
Which can result in some unexpected results:
http://www.theverge.com/2017/1/7/14200210/amazon-alexa-tech-news-anchor-order-dollhouse

[spdrun]

^^^

Yes, I heard of this little incident. Hilarious.

I hope the “victims” were allowed to return their purchases.

[Ribbles]

I don’t need to turn on/off lights or re-order products by voice command, or change the temperature when the thermostat is already programmed exactly the way I want it. I know when I’m out of eggs.

I’m not the paranoid type (I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that I’m on at least one “dissident” list, due to online anti-government rants, and I’m okay with that), but taking “we only listen to phrases following a specific key word” at face value – coming from companies who are literally desperate to learn as much as they can about you and who have continually lied to consumers about information gathering, storage, and dissemination – seems foolhardy to me. And that’s only considering the manufacturer, not hacking. No thanks.

[CA renter]

[quote=Ribbles]I don’t need to turn on/off lights or re-order products by voice command, or change the temperature when the thermostat is already programmed exactly the way I want it. I know when I’m out of eggs.

I’m not the paranoid type (I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that I’m on at least one “dissident” list, due to online anti-government rants, and I’m okay with that), but taking “we only listen to phrases following a specific key word” at face value – coming from companies who are literally desperate to learn as much as they can about you and who have continually lied to consumers about information gathering, storage, and dissemination – seems foolhardy to me. And that’s only considering the manufacturer, not hacking. No thanks.[/quote]

Exactly right.

[Author]

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