Apple has been granted a patent (number 11,388,516) for a “privacy device for smart speakers” such as the HomePod mini and the (discontinued) HomePod.
About the patent
In the patent, the tech giant notes that computer devices using microphones for voice control are increasingly prevalent, including devices that are constantly listening and processing audio to allow spontaneous voice commands to be processed at any time. Many of these devices send commands and other data to computer servers which store a massive amount of data in perpetuity.
Apple says that, however, this poses privacy risks. In many cases, the value presented by perpetually listening computing devices makes it an undesirable trade-off to refrain from using the devices to preserve privacy. In other cases, a person may be unaware they are being listened to. Apple says that systems that protect privacy but allow the listening devices to still provide their intended value are needed.
Summary of the patent
Here’s Apple’s abstract of the patent: “Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described for a privacy blocking device configured to prevent receipt, by a listening device, of video and/or audio data until a trigger occurs. A blocker may be configured to prevent receipt of video and/or audio data by one or more microphones and/or one or more cameras of a listening device.
“The blocker may use the one or more microphones, the one or more cameras, and/or one or more second microphones and/or one or more second cameras to monitor for a trigger. The blocker may process the data. Upon detecting the trigger, the blocker may transmit data to the listening device. For example, the blocker may transmit all or a part of a spoken phrase to the listening device.”
