News

Apple’s Siri listens to private conversations, sexual adventures

Knows your sensitive and confidential information

Published

July 30, 2019

MJ Jucutan

If you frequently use Siri or if you own a Siri-enabled device, you better watch what you say in front of it. A whistleblower came forward in a report by The Guardian stating that Apple contractors hear confidential information like medical details, drug deals, and even sexual acts between couples through Siri.

The Guardian has learned that the tech giant has contractors around the world that help in “grading” Siri. These contractors provide quality control by identifying if the activation of the voice assistant was accidental, or if Siri was asked with a query that was answered appropriately.

Apple came into their defense and told The Guardian that “Siri responses are analyzed in secure facilities adhering to Apple’s strict confidentiality requirements.”

“Overheard” vs Intentional listening

However, there’s more to the story uncovered. The anonymous whistleblower expressed concerns about accidental activations. This means that these recordings aren’t meant to be heard, as people activate Siri indirectly in several instances.

For example, raising your Apple watch while speaking can activate Siri. Even the sound of a zip acts as a trigger. This leads to contractors accidentally hearing conversations containing sensitive information. Additionally, these Siri recordings are accompanied by user data which shows privy information such as location, contact details, and app data.

Furthermore, it seems that Apple Watch and HomePod smart speaker are the suspects for frequently mistaken recordings. On the other hand, Apple’s solution is to encourage the staff to report these accidental activations “as a technical problem”, with no other procedures to deal with the recordings.

Apple doesn’t seem to be the only one using humans to review recordings since Amazon and Google revealed to be doing the exact same thing on their respective AI assistants. However, we can wish for these tech giants to teach their assistants to listen to someone only when they’re spoken to.

Source: The Guardian

Related Topics:Apple Apple Watch HomePod Siri

Apps

Here’s how to share your Spotify Wrapped 2023 with everyone

Also available on desktop for the first time ever

Published

November 30, 2023

Luigi Leonardo

Psst. It’s that time of the year again. If you’ve been on social media lately, you might have noticed the start of Spotify Wrapped posts. Everyone is keen to share which songs they were obsessed over this entire year. If you want to join in the fun, here’s how you can share your top songs and artists for the year.

Starting today, Spotify Wrapped is now available. As long as your app is updated, the yearly feature should already be available. You can find the button for your Wrapped right on your home screen.

Clicking on the feature will take you to the traditional story-like sequence showcasing your favorite music and when you listened to them. At the end of the sequence, you’ll get a variety of color options to share your list on social media. This year’s theme is more psychedelic, so you can show off a lot more color for your feed.

Additionally, after you view the sequence (and during, for your most listened-to artist), you can access special messages shot by your most played artists as a thank you for supporting them throughout the year. The top artist will get a special spot in your stories, too.

Besides the usual way of viewing your Wrapped on mobile, Spotify is also making Wrapped 2023 available on desktop for the first time ever. The desktop version isn’t really new as it still offers the same story sequence, though. Still, it’s a good addition if you prefer using Spotify on a PC.

Gaming

Netflix is getting three classic Grand Theft Auto games next month

All three in remastered glory

Published

November 30, 2023

Luigi Leonardo

If you need something light to play amid the bushel of bigger games released this year, you might be sleeping on Netflix’s growing library of games. After packing a significant amount of indie classics on the platform, Netflix is now adding more mainstream hits starting next month. Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition will arrive on the platform in December.

While it’s no Grand Theft Auto V, the trilogy collection three of the most iconic titles in the series: Grand Theft Auto III, Vice City, and San Andreas. The three games represent an era when Rockstar Games had unparalleled dominance in the open-world genre. Released in 2021, the collection releases the trilogy for modern systems, complete with upgraded (albeit controversial) graphics.

The trilogy is a big get for Netflix. Though the platform’s games catalog already has certified hits (such as Spiritfarer and Into the Breach), Netflix’s new feature hasn’t taken off as much as the company would want. Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy might be its most iconic addition yet, potentially boosting its value for subscribers (especially those who don’t want to pay full price for old games).

For Rockstar Games, the addition couldn’t have come at a better time. The studio has already confirmed that it will release the first trailer for the much-awaited Grand Theft Auto VI next month. The series is about to get a big boost.

If you want to play Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, the three games will drop on Netflix starting December 14. As with all of Netflix’s other games, the trilogy is available for free for all subscribers through a mobile device.

News

Limited-edition vivo V29 5G in Rose Pink now available

Make the holidays brighter

Published

November 28, 2023

GadgetMatch

vivo is releasing a limited-edition Rose Pink-colored vivo V29 5G in time for the holidays.

Available starting on December 1, the Rose Pink edition is the third color option for vivo’s premier device under the V series. It joins the Starry Purple and Magic Maroon colorways.

The Rose Pink variant comes with a delicate pink hue that is reminiscent of winter sunset. It also has gradient hues and textured ripples inspired by a sea of pink roses.

The colorway is only available on the vivo V29 5G which. It is priced at PhP 24,999 (12GB+256GB) and PhP 26,999 (12GB+256GB).

The vivo V29 5G packs a punch with powerful features, including a 6.78-inch AMOLED screen with a 2880×1260 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, a 4,600mAh battery with 80W fast charge, and a 50MP OIS main camera along with a 50MP front camera.

The more affordable vivo V29e 5G, meanwhile, is still available in the Crystal Blue and Forest Black. It retails for just PhP 18,999.

Make A Wish campaign

For those who are interested in getting the Rose Pink edition of the vivo V29 5G, vivo has a Make A Wish campaign that invites customers to join for a chance to win exclusive gifts and prizes, including the phone itself.

To join the festivities, visit the microsite here and answer the simple question What is your Christmas wish?

This article is a sponsored press release from vivo Philippines.