Amazon Alexa Workers are listening to you

Opt out and mute the microphone. 

While these smart speakers are used to listen to your practiced words and sayings, but how do you know for sure it's always interpreting these wake up calls correctly and recording them? The blue signal around the Alexa show's you when it's listening to you but you don't always keep an eye on it. Therefore push the simple mute button on top when you need some privacy. 

Another way is to opt out of these "algorithms improvements". That's something we always suggest to our clients in order to prevent any unauthorized data usage or "spying". 

• Go to your Alexa Account > Privacy > Manage how your data improves Alexa" > Turn off "Help Develop New Features" and "Use Messages to Improve Transcriptions". 
  

What about Google Home? 

Google is known for collecting huge amount of data and ranks itself as the best smart assistant in the world. Which is an advantage to you, but the consumer turns into the product for Google. Ever wondered why you get free Google Home products with a purchase of certain bundles or promotions? That's why. 

• Google Home has a mute button. It's located on the back side of the device. Press it once and it will stop listening to you. The top part of the Googles lights will turn orange to let you know it's disabled.  

New HomePod Pricing

Apple has reduced it's smart home speaker price by $50. Making it available for $299 in Space Grey and White. 

Huge resellers like BestBuy, Costco or Amazon will most likely discount it even further to $250.