In Case You Missed Us: Device Listening on Tech Talk on KTRS

Can my device hear me? It's been a hot question on everyone's mind since people have been adding devices like Amazon Alexa to their homes at a steady pace. Our IT expert, Rion Kolosieke, joined Guy Phillips, Heidi Glaus, and Josh Gilbert on location at Laumeier Sculpture Park for Tech Talk on The Big 550 KTRS to answer the burning question.

Are my devices listening to me?

The short answer is, yes. Certain devices like Apple's Siri, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home have trigger words that they are listening for to best respond to different commands. An example would be the commercials of Amazon's technology reacting to the command of "Hey, Alexa" to show the different listening capabilities available. Rion explained that the devices have no interest in picking up every conversation that takes place in their environment, but it is ready to respond when spoken to.

Guy and Rion also discussed the fact that while some people don't like the idea of their technology being responsive, some people disagree and find that the device can add convenience to their lives. While there are people who don't feel comfortable having this technology within their homes, Rion pointed out that there are ways to lock down the security settings to suit your lifestyle. Being aware of the different settings and when the device has permission to listen to its surroundings could potentially ease some end user apprehension.

In addition to checking settings and only enabling functions that you're comfortable with, users can also remember that what is listening to them is an algorithm. There isn't a live person on the other end of the technology actively listening to your every word when spoken. The algorithm is at work listening to you when you trigger it to respond and making note of what you have said to provide better future service. Devices like Alexa and others have just as much to learn from us as we do about them.

Tech Talk Presented by SumnerOne

Each week the IT Experts at SumnerOne host Tech Talk on The Big 550 KTRS with Guy Phillips. Tune in every Friday afternoon at 4:20 to learn more and stay up-to-date on the latest with technology and cyber security. To learn more about SumnerOne, contact us.