This Bracelet Jams Microphones of Nearby Alexa and Google Assistant Speakers

Private conversations are not private anymore. Companies like Google, Amazon and Apple admitted that theirsmart speakers record private conversationsof users. These are then sent to the companies to “enhance user experience”.

However, when Ben Zhao, a computer science professor at the University of Chicago, bought an Alexa-enabled Echo device, his wife, Heather Zheng, who is also in the same profession, wasprofoundly sceptical about the “always-on” microphoneon the device. Taking the help of an assistant professor, Pedro Lopes, the science-couple developed the “bracelet of silence”.

Equipped with several transducers, the braceletcontains 24 speakerswrapped around the circular contraption. When the user turns on the bracelet, these speakers wouldtransmit ultrasonic sounds. The human ears cannot pick-up these sounds. However, nearby microphones can catch these sounds. This would suppress the sound of the human voices as the microphones would only hear these ultrasonic sounds.

The device uses transducers that are in a ring layout. This enables the device to jam microphones in not only one direction, but in multiple directions. When turned on, this bracelet emits sounds that are measured to be in therange of 24KHz to 26KHz, that are inaudible by human ears.

Even after refining the prototype of the device by reducing the number of transducers, it looksrepulsive on the wrists. The bracelet looks huge on people who have slim wrists.

The makers of the“wearable microphone jammer”plan to sell the device for $20 (~Rs 1,430). However, I think even with that low price, it would struggle quite a bit to garner consumer-base. If you are sceptical about your smart speaker or your smartwatch, you could get this. Although, expect a laugh or two from strangers who see you wearing this hideous thing.

So, are you willing to rock the “bracelet of silence” to save your privacy? Let us know down in the comments.

Beebom Staff

Bringing the latest in technology, gaming, and entertainment is our superhero team of staff writers. They have a keen eye for latest stories, happenings, and even memes for tech enthusiasts.

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