Alexa also functions as a hands-free search engine. It can perform basic searches on the internet and dictate the answers back to you. The program is also considered as a smart hub. This enables you to connect other smart devices. These can be integrated and controlled using Alexa as the command center. Other capabilities include booking appointments and scheduling deliveries. When it comes to hands-free multi-tasking, Alexa is an expert. But then again, you might already know how wonderful Alexa is in terms of features. The real question here is essentially “is Alexa always listening?”
Is Alexa Always Listening?
Going back to the main question, the answer would be yes. But if we examine the device, this perpetual listening pose appears justified. Since the whole point of the device is an urgent response to any request, it only makes sense that the device is always on standby mode. While on standby mode, the device is only waiting for a wake word, and nothing is recorded just yet. The device only begins recording when the trigger word is uttered. Each recording is sent to a cloud before Alexa can respond.
False Positive Recordings
The tricky part of the discussion of “Is Alexa Always Listening?” is when false positive recordings are generated. This happens when the device wakes and starts recording without your instruction. Occasionally, Alexa does mistake random words and utterances to be wake words. And so the device starts recording when you didn’t intentionally summon it. The recording is uploaded into the cloud. This is alongside other legitimate instructions and queries that you’ve made. There have also been cases where the device forwarded recordings to another person. Nonetheless, these are isolated and accidental cases.
What the Recordings Are For
The recording and uploading process exists for two reasons. The first is to refine the responses that Alexa has to offer. This gives Alexa the ability to learn from the queries. As such, it can provide more information each time a query is repeated. This is a progressive slope for Alexa when it comes to usability and reliability.
Privacy Concerns
Check Latest Price Check Latest Price Check Latest Price The Echo Link is a modern network audio streamer. The device is designed to be paired with existing speakers and amplifiers you might have at home. But first, it needs to be paired with your Echo device. The Echo Link creates indirect “links” between Alexa and speakers and amplifiers. The Echo Link also supports multiple digital and analog inputs and outputs. This allows you to connect different types of stereo equipment to the device.
Echo Frames
Check Latest Price Echo Frames are a pair of glasses with Alexa built-in. The frames resemble normal glasses with black frames, albeit with small differences. It has larger temple sides, with several contact points. The contact points each have a purpose. This includes a port for charging, speakers, and mics. You might be thinking of chunky glasses now. But in truth, it’s lightweight and the buttons are barely noticeable. There’s a button on the underside of the frame that switches listening on and off. This way, you can pick when to use the glasses normally and when to turn on Alexa. You’ll also be able to hear Alexa clearly through micro-speakers on the frames. You can also play music, but that audio isn’t so private. The frames have also been compared to Google Glass. But this only has audio functions while Google Glass had AR. You can change the lenses based on your vision scales. Only the frames have the specs. And you also need to charge the frames regularly. Some people might find the concept of smart glasses geeky. Nonetheless, you have to admit that it’s a sleek and subtle step forward towards wearable devices.
Echo Buds
Check Latest Price The pods are very intuitive and automatic in their responses. For example, taking out the buds automatically pauses the music. Putting them back automatically resumes the song. Besides this, the buds are equipped with customizable touch controls. A double-tap on the pods by default activates background noise reduction. This is great for commuters who are keen on blocking background noises. This might include anything from vehicular noise and background chatter. You can change what the taps execute using the software. You can also turn off the microphones and control Alexa through the software. As a hands-free virtual assistant, Alexa can save you significant time and effort handling certain tasks. Alexa handles basic research, entertainment, and communications concerns. Plenty of things can be done for you, without you ever having to lift a finger. Alexa can help you listen to your favorite songs, make shopping lists, and set alarms. You can also check weather and traffic updates, and look up basic terms online. Alexa is also at the forefront of the Internet of Things (IoT). Alexa also functions as a smart hub. This means it can act as the command post for all your smart devices. This might include your smart lights, vacuum cleaners, and even security cameras. These are just a few of the practical applications of IoT. Of course, there are your tablets, phones, and computers that are connected to the same network. You can read other examples through this piece, 10 IoT examples in today’s world. As a smart hub, it has great potential for connecting devices. These include devices that you already have and those that have yet to be developed. Alexa may just be a personal assistant, but she is also a glimpse into the future. For more information on the topic, we highly recommend that you read the benefits of IoT for smart homes.
How to Adjust Privacy Settings on Alexa
If you were alarmed by the explanation to the “is Alexa always listening?” question, you will need to take action. You can stop Alexa from listening to your activities in various ways. The first has nothing to do with Alexa, as you would simply turn off the microphone function. The next option is to configure Alexa. This works in two ways. You can configure Alexa to accept voice commands for the deletion of your recordings. You can also instruct that your recordings not be sent to the cloud for analysis. The last option is to manually remove the recordings from the cloud using your computer or device. You can also review your recordings before deletion.
Method 1: Disable the Microphone
The quickest and simplest way to stop Alexa from listening in is to turn off the microphone on your device. To do this, simply press the physical microphone button for a few seconds. This will electronically disconnect your microphone. Doing so will make it impossible for Alexa to listen to or record anything. This should also prove easier than unplugging the device. You won’t experience a reboot upon turning the microphone back on. This is best for when you’re doing something you’d rather keep private. It also works if you have people coming over, as this could trigger Alexa more easily. Be warned though that this is a temporary solution. You’re going to have to turn the microphone back on if you need Alexa.
Method 2: Instruct Alexa to Delete Recordings
Another quick way to have Alexa delete your recordings is to instruct her. This is best done at the end of the day, week, or month. But before you can do this, you’ll need to configure the voice command for deletion first. Here’s how: Once this is enabled, you can instruct Alexa to delete your recordings. To do this, simply say “Alexa, delete everything I said today.” You can change today to this week and to this month. Anything recorded for the past twenty-four hours until the moment you uttered the command will be deleted.
Method 3: Configure Privacy Settings
Method 4: Delete Recordings Manually
How to Delete Recordings Through the Alexa App:
A Holistic Approach to Online Privacy
Many people take online security for granted. This happens not because people think security is irrelevant. It happens because a lot of people think it’s too technical and complicated. But at its core, ensuring your own safety online just takes some diligence. This is something that you can accomplish with the help of the right tools. Adjusting privacy settings on your smart device is just one of the many steps you can take. There are plenty of other security measures you can take. Begin by reading this article on the best cybersecurity practices you must follow. If you use the internet at all, you’re also going to need reliable antivirus software. This should help detect potential malware from all potential entry points. Here’s a piece discussing the top five antivirus software available in the market to help you out. If you have plenty of accounts online, it also helps to have a reliable password manager. This should keep your passwords and other credentials safe from potentially harmful websites. Finally, you should install a virtual private network (VPN) to keep you safe online. VPNs mask your online activity and location. This is so you can rest assured that your online activities are not tracked. Read this ultimate guide on how to set up a VPN as a reference. We hope that by now you will have an answer to the question of “Is Alexa always listening?” And we’re hoping that you were able to learn a few tricks on how to manage Alexa to reduce the security risks that come with this listening pose. We use the word “manage” because some functions can’t be turned off. And the problems only start to emerge as an offshoot of basic functions. Sometimes protecting your data feels like a constant battle. But this is exactly why we have privacy laws and controls. It’s about making the effort to manage your device and making the most of existing controls. Keeping a smart device under your control is not an easy task, but not impossible. Taking extra precautions will help keep you safe. You can also enjoy the full benefits of the smart devices that you paid for with your hard-earned money.
