Google’s Nest Secure system contains a hidden microphone that Google kept secret from users

“If your IoT device secretly contained a microphone, which was previously undocumented, would you be happy when the device maker announced an over-the-air update that can enable the microphone for virtual assistant voice functionality?” Ms. Smith reports for CSO. “That’s what happened with the security alarm system Nest Secure.”
“I suppose it depends upon your outlook on if you are happy or creeped out that your security system secretly had an undocumented microphone capable of doing the listening all along,” Smith reports.
“Google didn’t really focus on the ‘surprise there was a microphone hidden in the Nest Guard brain of your Nest Secure’ angle, preferring a take on how Google Assistant and Nest Guard can help you out,” Smith reports. “The announcement concluded with: ‘We’ve built Nest Secure around you and the way you live, so you won’t be able to disarm the system using your voice. With the Google Assistant built in, your security system is now even more helpful.'”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Hopefully, at least one of those who chose a Google product for “home security” isn’t so debilitatingly stupid or morbidly naive as to not be able to manage to contact a lawyer to begin a very necessary class action lawsuit over Google’s “oversight” (pun intended).
Unfortunately, these poor saps chose to buy a Google product for “home security” in the first place, so all bets are off. They’re much more likely smiling over their drool cups about getting a “free” microphone from Google.
“Nest Secure.” What a joke.
If Google cannot track users, their business model is not viable. — MacDailyNews, February 14, 2019
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[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Fred Mertz” for the heads up.]