Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

I think it's a reasonable distinction.

The Echo is much more than "a microphone". Yes, it has a microphone, and I don't think Amazon is trying to pretend it doesn't. But a smart speaker is obviously not just a passive listening device, as implied by "Amazon microphone".



When will the truth be palatable? When we normalize it. By calling the device an Amazon microphone, we are telling the truth that this device is a listening device, not just a speaker. This name has less sugar coating, so if it is still too bitter, just call it what you want.


By that logic, your phone should be called a "microphone".

Ignore all the additional stuff it can do, it has a microphone, therefore it's OBVIOUSLY a passive listening device, ergo "microphone" /s


Well it is quite more.

It also tracks your position via satellites.




Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: