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24th April 2024 Issue no. 702

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Google failed to tell users about hidden microphone in its Nest security system

Google has been criticised for failing to tell users about a hidden microphone in ones of its home security systems. The technology giant said an "error" meant the microphone was not included in the online specifications for the Nest Guard, which have been available since 2017.

The hardware feature came to light after Google announced a software update would enable the device to use its voice-activated helper, Google Assistant, which is powered by artificial intelligence to answer queries. The issue was first spotted by Business Insider.

A Google spokesman said: "The on-device microphone was never intended to be a secret and should have been listed in the tech specs. That was an error on our part.

27th February 2019