If you are someone who takes care of your cybersecurity and privacy, then this accessory called Alexagate could be of your interest.
Although smart speakers have endless virtues, we cannot deny that, at times, they could be somewhat dangerous. As soon as you execute a voice command, speakers like Echo Dot with Alexa or Google Assistant respond immediately.
However, the fact of having the microphone active implies that these gadgets have the possibility of listening to us at all times and, although we do not have bad intentions, why should a machine be listening to us?
To prevent Amazon’s smart assistant from listening to your conversations, a company called MSCHF developed an accessory that locks the microphone for Amazon Echo speakers.
How is this possible? Alexagate blocks the microphone using pulsed ultrasound.
To activate this feature, users will need to clap three times and the accessory will automatically prevent the Amazon Echo from being able to record conversations.
It should be noted that the design of this accessory is well thought out so as not to interfere in any way with user interaction and the smart speaker. This is not a physical silencer, but an ultrasonic one.
However, to speak to Alexa again, users will need to clap three times again.
But, something interesting about this accessory is that the gestures can be modified; that is, if the three claps are uncomfortable to you, then you could execute the command with a snap of your fingers.
To prevent Amazon’s smart assistant from listening to your conversations, a company called MSCHF developed an accessory that locks the microphone for Amazon Echo speakers.
How is this possible? Alexagate blocks the microphone using pulsed ultrasound.
To activate this feature, users will need to clap three times and the accessory will automatically prevent the Amazon Echo from being able to record conversations.
It should be noted that the design of this accessory is well thought out so as not to interfere in any way with user interaction and the smart speaker. This is not a physical silencer, but an ultrasonic one.
However, to speak to Alexa again, users will need to clap three times again.
But, something interesting about this accessory is that the gestures can be modified; that is, if the three claps are uncomfortable to you, then you could execute the command with a snap of your fingers.
According to the developers of Alexagate, this accessory blocks absolutely everything, you could even shout a few centimeters away and still not register your voice through Alexa.
Alexagate price and availability
At the moment, Alexagate is only available in the United States for $ 99 and it is unknown if it could soon reach other territories.
It is an ideal gadget for those who do not want to be heard by Amazon. In addition, it is compatible with all generations of the Echo , Echo Plus and Echo Dot thanks to its versatile mounting ring.
Are you worried that Alexa is listening to your conversations?