Do I want an always-on digital assistant listening in all the time?
The introduction covers the most successful vocal assistant on the market ( Alexa , Homepod Speaker , Google Home , Amazon Echo). They became much cheaper and they are all equipped with an AI that is there to support its user they are all have one feature in common a microphone
Upsides
Convenience matters
Smart devices offer exceptional convenience at an unprecedentedly low cost.As a result, more and different people may take advantage of a digital assistant than would use, or could afford, a human assistant.
Increasing autonomy
Hands-free technologies may increase autonomy for the elderly and individuals with disabilities.
Scholars are investigating how smart devices can support “universal design,” a way of making spaces and activities accessible and convenient for people of all abilities.
Downsides:
Ubiquitous surveillance and security concerns:
Smart home systems are part of a larger suite of devices, apps, websites and spaces that collect, aggregate and analyze personal data about users. Scholars call this “ubiquitous surveillance,” which means “it becomes increasingly difficult to escape … data collection, storage, and sorting.”
Smart homes come with broader security concerns. Unsecured devices connected to the “internet of things” can be targets for hackers. Access to smart devices might provide hackers a well-spring of useful data, including information about when users are home – or not. Additionally, smart objects can be deployed surreptitiously for nefarious purposes.
Devices with always-on microphones can’t always tell who is talking.
Objects like people:
gendering virtual assistants invites users to engage with smart devices because they’re familiar and comfortable. Some users may be willing to share more intimate details about themselves despite security or surveillance risks. Ultimately, people may grow to rely upon devices, which empowers those who own the data harvested from always-on devices in the home.
Conclusion :
When people ask devices to act for them, they must be willing to live with what – or who – is on the other side.
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