Amazon's Alexa will be built into all new homes from Lennar

[BucketBack]

VALLEJO, Calif. — The nation’s largest home builder is betting voice-activated digital assistants and smart devices will become as expected in a new home as garages now are

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/amazons-alexa-will-be-built-into-all-new-homes-from-lennar/ar-AAx0ToQ

[juskom95]

No thanks.

Voice operated is neat, but all of those technologies send information off-site for processing. Bad combination.

[Kfilly]

I will pass. However, most Amerikans will probably rush to welcome 1984 into their homes.

[MountainGirl]

No thanks.

Voice operated is neat, but all of those technologies send information off-site for processing. Bad combination.

Agree. Searched online this morning for a new washer/dryer set - all but 2 are WiFi ready. Thanks, nope.

[Walter Tyler]

I only want Alexia in my house if it comes with SOLAR PANELS...lol

I predict a rapid FALL in NEW HOME construction in Commiefornia soon...

Wait... does Alexia water my lawn?

[Walter Tyler]

Agree. Searched online this morning for a new washer/dryer set - all but 2 are WiFi ready. Thanks, nope.

Post the model numbers and I will show you how to disable the wifi cards...

[juskom95]

Post the model numbers and I will show you how to disable the wifi cards...

Just buy the ones without. I was out shopping over the weekend for a new dishwasher, and we looked at washer/dryers. Only a couple refrigerators were wifi capable.

Online retailers/storefronts tend to PUSH the high-tech, wifi models as the LATEST AND GREATEST models.

[Walter Tyler]

Just buy the ones without. I was out shopping over the weekend for a new dishwasher, and we looked at washer/dryers. Only a couple refrigerators were wifi capable.

Online retailers/storefronts tend to PUSH the high-tech, wifi models as the LATEST AND GREATEST models.

I thought perhaps her saying all but 2 were wi fi ready meant that they were more expensive [the ones without wifi]... of course dont spend more money to buy features ya dont need.

Its like trying to buy a device [laptop, phone, tablet] with out a camera in it... it is CHEAPER and easier just to tape over the cam...

[juskom95]

I thought perhaps her saying all but 2 were wi fi ready meant that they were more expensive [the ones without wifi]... of course dont spend more money to buy features ya dont need.

I just noticed that retailers push the 'gadget crap,' online more than physically in the store. All the bells and whistles most would not need.

I mean honestly, do I really need to check my washing machine over my wifi from the living room?


Its like trying to buy a device [laptop, phone, tablet] with out a camera in it... it is CHEAPER and easier just to tape over the cam...
Features people don't want and don't need, but it is the crap being pushed because it is trendy.

[Walter Tyler]

I just noticed that retailers push the 'gadget crap,' online more than physically in the store. All the bells and whistles most would not need.

I mean honestly, do I really need to check my washing machine over my wifi from the living room?


Features people don't want and don't need, but it is the crap being pushed because it is trendy.

OH... I misunderstood... I thought wifi was like Alexia cept she could FOLD the clothes and puttem on hangers...

Never mind.

[Walter Tyler]

Wasnt this chicks name wifi?

http://www.jetsonsmovie.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/rosie-the-robot-maid.png

Or this one??

https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2013/05/24/maids-jeffersons_wide-4a4f0f444d73e63cb8b287ab4396b9910c517416.jpg?s=140 0

[Ricekila]

Nope --- the other day my toilet said something -- or it was my ass again ?

[Walter Tyler]

Nope --- the other day my toilet said something -- or it was my ass again ?

Ever seen a toilet with HOT water?

Its a "feature"... ya pay extra for it...
sure makes em sweat.

[Ricekila]

I did it in all my houses & asked customers if they wanted it done also --

Hook up the jon to hot water instead of cold ---- no sweating in the summer -- when cleaning -- 2 flushs to heat the tank & bowel - then dish washing liquid -- and flush --

[Walter Tyler]

I did it in all my houses & asked customers if they wanted it done also --

Hook up the jon to hot water instead of cold ---- no sweating in the summer -- when cleaning -- 2 flushs to heat the tank & bowel - then dish washing liquid -- and flush --

lol...

[KnuteFartne]

I know everyone is scared of Alexa listening to your conversations for the government but I hate to break to all of you, if you have a smartphone they can already do it. And most likely do.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[Walter Tyler]

I know everyone is scared of Alexa listening to your conversations for the government but I hate to break to all of you, if you have a smartphone they can already do it. And most likely do.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Not THIS Phone...

https://78.media.tumblr.com/839bdf96416dfed3c4be955885020a77/tumblr_osunqi4eI91w15266o1_500.gif

[juskom95]

I know everyone is scared of Alexa listening to your conversations for the government but I hate to break to all of you, if you have a smartphone they can already do it. And most likely do.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

My smartphone is off in a drawer under junk when I don't need it. So there is a functional difference between something which could happen versus something which is actually happening.

Alexia, by design, sends all of the voice information to cloud servers for processing.

[MountainGirl]

I know everyone is scared of Alexa listening to your conversations for the government but I hate to break to all of you, if you have a smartphone they can already do it. And most likely do.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Maybe not just the government. Over the last few days, Tom and I have had several conversations about putting in some new windows (no online searching by him or me, just conversation in the cabin) and this morning Tom had 3 marketing emails, from 3 different window vendors. Coincidence? Probably. Still spooky, though. The only thing we have that could 'listen' is our phones.

[Ricekila]

lol...

I shit you not - LOL

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v667/RICEKILA/As%20posted%20on%20Tradingpost/10-May-8_zpsg3cocwib.jpg

[Gambit]

I shit you not - LOL

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v667/RICEKILA/As%20posted%20on%20Tradingpost/10-May-8_zpsg3cocwib.jpg

that's a hot ass
also
that's what she said

[BucketBack]

I know everyone is scared of Alexa listening to your conversations for the government but I hate to break to all of you, if you have a smartphone they can already do it. And most likely do.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

I could leave my Sprint PHONE in my Lakefront Rental and listen to the CraCK wHORE IN 2004

[Walter Tyler]

Warning: Keep Amazon’s Alexa Away From Your Kids
https://www.technocracy.news/warning-keep-amazons-alexa-away-from-your-kids/


What’s the best way to keep adults from questioning the use of a deeply problematic product? Get them started when they’re too young to question anything. Amazon has a new addition to its line of voice-commanded artificial intelligence Alexa assistants, marketed for use by children as young as 5 years old, who can barely grasp a box of juice, let alone digital privacy. Now, a coalition of children’s privacy and psychology advocates are warning parents away from Amazon’s latest, cutest device, saying it could normalize surveillance and harm children’s mental development.

The Echo Dot for kids is functionally identical to the Echo Dot for adults, except that it’s brightly colored and inexplicably costs $30 more than the grown-up version. Cosmetics aside, Echo Dot is still an AI-powered microphone that listens constantly for an activation keyword, relays a user’s voice to remote servers where it is analyzed and processed opaquely, and then responds to an increasingly long list of commands; on its packaging, Amazon highlights commands like “tell me a story” and “start SpongeBob.” Dot for kids will not only perpetually listen to and entertain your children, but attempt to teach them manners in your stead: “Alexa even provides positive feedback when kids ask questions and remember to say ‘please,’” says Amazon.

But a group of experts says Amazon’s little Play-Doh-colored pucks have no place near children. A statement released today by the Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood, or CCFC, which previously led a prominent campaign against a version of Facebook Messenger aimed at kids, claims that Dot for kids and its ability to streamline a kid’s interaction with brands “pose significant threats to children’s wellbeing and privacy.” The CCFC statement is joined by critical letters from Sen. Edward Markey and Rep. Joe Barton. According to the CCFC’s Executive Director Josh Golin, “Amazon wants kids to be dependent on its data-gathering device from the moment they wake up until they go to bed at night. … AI devices raise a host of privacy concerns and interfere with the face-to-face interactions and self-driven play that children need to thrive.” Jeff Chester, executive director of the Center for Digital Democracy, which co-signed the statement, added his concerns:

Its the "Happy Meal" Strategy that worked so well for McD.

I wonder if the same "technology" that brought us Laurl/Yanny can be used here. The parents hear Alexea telling a bed time story (how cute) while the child hears "Spy on your parents, do they have guns, do they have drugs, is daddy hitting mommy?" hmmm a brave new world indeed.

[Inor]

My smartphone lives on my workbench in the garage. Most of the time I do not even take it with me when I leave the house.

During the process of building M.T. Acres, I was amazed at how much of the stuff that goes into a home is wifi now. Our water heater has wifi, the furnace and AC have it, the garage door opener, I am sure Mrs Inor's double oven must have it - the damn thing has more buttons and lights than Carter has little liver pills! Even the water pump on our well is wifi!

Obviously, I do not have any of them connected to our network and my network is very secure. But the fact that I had to pay for that crap even though I specifically don't want it makes me furious. But it is impossible to buy the higher end fixtures that do not have it now.

[Kfilly]

My smartphone lives on my workbench in the garage. Most of the time I do not even take it with me when I leave the house.

During the process of building M.T. Acres, I was amazed at how much of the stuff that goes into a home is wifi now. Our water heater has wifi, the furnace and AC have it, the garage door opener, I am sure Mrs Inor's double oven must have it - the damn thing has more buttons and lights than Carter has little liver pills! Even the water pump on our well is wifi!

Obviously, I do not have any of them connected to our network and my network is very secure. But the fact that I had to pay for that crap even though I specifically don't want it makes me furious. But it is impossible to buy the higher end fixtures that do not have it now.

Alm of that is just more junk to spy on. Big brother wants to know everything about you.

[Inor]

Alm of that is just more junk to spy on. Big brother wants to know everything about you.

Yep. That is absolutely true. Google even came out this week and admitted it; they want to know everything, about everybody.

But they are collecting SO much data, there is no way they can process it manually. So, of course they come out with artificial intelligence to read the data and build "profiles" of each of us. But a profile is nothing more than a probability model. As long as we understand that and know how to manipulate it, we can tell Big Brother whatever we want him to hear and still go about our lives with a modicum of privacy. It is not perfect, but it buys us some time at least.

[Gambit]

now my wife going to ask the house if I was masturbating too my secret porn stash


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgkyrW2NiwM

[A Watchman]

Yep. That is absolutely true. Google even came out this week and admitted it; they want to know everything, about everybody.

But they are collecting SO much data, there is no way they can process it manually. So, of course they come out with artificial intelligence to read the data and build "profiles" of each of us. But a profile is nothing more than a probability model. As long as we understand that and know how to manipulate it, we can tell Big Brother whatever we want him to hear and still go about our lives with a modicum of privacy. It is not perfect, but it buys us some time at least.

Exactly, I am sure it is game on time. Make sure you know how to play your own cards.

[juskom95]

Yep. That is absolutely true. Google even came out this week and admitted it; they want to know everything, about everybody.

But they are collecting SO much data, there is no way they can process it manually. So, of course they come out with artificial intelligence to read the data and build "profiles" of each of us. But a profile is nothing more than a probability model. As long as we understand that and know how to manipulate it, we can tell Big Brother whatever we want him to hear and still go about our lives with a modicum of privacy. It is not perfect, but it buys us some time at least.

Just like a psychology exam honestly. Someone who understands the questions and is aware of what is happening, can often lie convincingly enough to pass any sort of test (or fail them, if that is what they desire).

[TJC44]

Amazon Alexa recorded private conversation, sent it to random contact, woman says

A Portland, Oregon, family contacted Amazon to investigate after they say a private conversation in their home was recorded by Amazon's Alexa – the voice-controlled smart speaker – and the recorded audio was sent to the phone of a random person in Seattle, who was in the family’s contact list.

>> Amazon announces kids-friendly version of Echo

"My husband and I would joke and say, 'I'd bet these devices are listening to what we're saying,'" said Danielle, who did not want KIRO-TV to use her last name.


Every room in her family home was wired with the Amazon devices to control her home's heat, lights and security system.

But Danielle said that two weeks ago, the family's love for Alexa changed with an alarming phone call. "The person on the other line said, 'Unplug your Alexa devices right now,'" she said. "'You're being hacked.'"

>> Amazon working on home robot, report says

That person was one of her husband's employees, calling from Seattle.

"We unplugged all of them and he proceeded to tell us that he had received audio files of recordings from inside our house," she said. "At first, my husband was, like, 'No, you didn't!' And the (recipient of the message) said, 'You sat there talking about hardwood floors.' And we said, 'Oh gosh, you really did hear us.'"

Danielle listened to the conversation when it was sent back to her, and she couldn't believe someone 176 miles away heard it, too.

"I felt invaded," she said. "A total privacy invasion. Immediately, I said, 'I'm never plugging that device in again because I can't trust it.'"

>> Amazon’s Alexa’s random laugh is creeping users out

Danielle says she unplugged all the devices, and she repeatedly called Amazon. She says an Alexa engineer investigated.

"They said, 'Our engineers went through your logs, and they saw exactly what you told us; they saw exactly what you said happened, and we're sorry.' He apologized like 15 times in a matter of 30 minutes, and he said, 'We really appreciate you bringing this to our attention; this is something we need to fix!'"

But Danielle says the engineer did not provide specifics about why it happened or if it's a widespread issue.

"He told us that the device just guessed what we were saying," she said. Danielle said the device did not audibly advise her it was preparing to send the recording, something it’s programmed to do.

>> Read more trending news

When KIRO-TV asked Amazon questions, the company sent this response:


"Amazon takes privacy very seriously. We investigated what happened and determined this was an extremely rare occurrence. We are taking steps to avoid this from happening in the future."

Amazon offered to "de-provision" Danielle’s Alexa communications so she could keep using its "Smart Home" features. But Danielle is hoping Amazon gives her a refund for her devices, which she said representatives have been unwilling to do. She says she’s curious to find out if anyone else has experienced the same issue.

"A husband and wife in the privacy of their home have conversations that they're not expecting to be sent to someone (in) their address book," she said.

http://myconnection.cox.com/article/trending/af2d24b0-601d-11e8-b772-e03db608b293/