Topic: Smart Speakers

Amazon is laying off 18,000 workers, with a significant portion coming from the Worldwide Digital unit responsible for Alexa and Echo smart speakers. Reports from The Register indicate the Alexa division suffered an operating loss of over $3 billion as the technology failed to monetize effectively. The layoffs mark a major retreat from Amazon's aggressive expansion into voice-controlled hardware.

A producer's interaction with Amazon Alexa suggested the device might be programmed with biased responses regarding Kamala Harris. The discussion moved to the general privacy concerns of smart speakers, with the hosts reiterating that such devices are primarily used for surveillance.

Apple's iOS 14 update will require apps to get user permission before tracking them, a move that Facebook claims could significantly hurt its advertising revenue. Additionally, reports indicate that police requests for smart speaker recordings have increased by 72%, raising further privacy concerns.

A listener reported success with a suggested "privacy shaming" tactic where a host triggers a guest's smart speaker to perform an embarrassing search. The listener, Brad, confirmed that the podcast audio triggered his phone's Google Assistant to search for "butt porn" via a Bluetooth speaker. The hosts use this to highlight the always-listening nature of big tech devices.

Amazon is partnering with Marriott and other hotel chains to install Echo smart speakers in guest rooms under the "Alexa for Hospitality" program. While marketed as a convenience for ordering room service and calling housekeeping, the move raises significant privacy concerns regarding voice recordings in private spaces. Amazon claims that recordings will be deleted daily and that guests can opt-out by muting the device.

The latest "Podcast Consumer" report from Edison Research shows that monthly podcast listenership has grown to 26% of Americans. The report also notes that podcast listeners are more likely to own smart speakers, leading to the industry term "share of ear" to describe audio consumption habits.

Sonos updated its terms of service, stating that the company cannot guarantee its wireless speakers will function if users do not agree to new data tracking policies. Sonos plans to integrate multiple voice assistants, including Alexa, Google, and potentially Siri or Cortana, into its hardware. The hosts discuss the potential for these tech giants to engage in antitrust behavior as they battle for control of the smart home ecosystem.

The Amazon Echo smart speaker reportedly triggered multiple times during the debate broadcast because the wake word "Alexa" sounds similar to the word "elections." This is cited as a significant security and privacy concern for users whose devices may record or act on television audio.