Google: Watching TV With You
June 9th, 2006 | by Todd W |It’s been a busy week for Google posts here. Today we have this.
A team from Google Research has developed a prototype system that uses a home computer’s internal microphone to listen to the ambient audio in a room, determine what is being watched on TV and offer web-based supplemental information, services and shopping contextual to each program being watched. It’s strange, but it sounds like it works and people might really like it. There’s no indication yet whether or when this could be available as a service.
I’m probably not as paranoid as I should be when it comes to privacy issues and commerce/entertainment. I’ve never really had a problem with companies trying to understand my spending habits, if that understanding leads to things that I want or need (or think I need). I’d rather have someone trying to pitch me products that fit my life rather than being arbitrarily spammed with feminine products incompatible with my biology.
But this? I wouldn’t mind being able to have data streamed to my laptop regarding what I’m watching, and I don’t mind them knowing what I’m watching…but I don’t like the idea of them actually listening in. Not that there is anything interesting to hear in my house, but this would cross a line. I won’t even leave a webcam hooked up to a PC unless I’m using it. I certainly don’t want a live microphone scanning the room.
One Response to “Google: Watching TV With You”
By Edwin on Aug 3, 2006 | Reply
With the debates over wiretapping in congress I don’t doubt that the government is somehow behind this. As I graciously add to our paranoia and to all who are watching i bid you adieu.