Topic: Ultrasonic

The hosts evaluate the Dog Dazer II, a handheld device that emits a 25 kilohertz tone to deter dogs. They debate the feasibility of creating a smartphone app version versus a dedicated high-quality keychain device using a piezo speaker. A potential Kickstarter campaign is proposed as a way to bring a branded version to market.

Kevin Douglas Limbaugh, who killed a Davis police officer before committing suicide, left a letter claiming the police were targeting him with "ultrasonic waves." Following the tragedy, a controversy emerged regarding the "Thin Blue Line" flag, which some activists now label as a symbol of racism. The flag is traditionally used to commemorate fallen law enforcement officers.

Facebook has filed a patent for ultrasonic cross-device tracking, which uses high-frequency tones in TV ads to activate a phone's microphone. In mobile news, the Nokia 8110 "banana phone" is discussed; however, the host expresses disappointment that Google has invested $22 million in its KaiOS operating system. This investment is seen as a move to bring data-tracking apps like YouTube and Maps to simple feature phones.

The hosts propose a "No Agenda Dog Dazer" product, a small ultrasonic device that emits a 25 kHz tone to annoy dogs without being audible to humans. They discuss the potential for a smartphone app or a dedicated keychain device using a piezo speaker. The idea is presented as a way to deal with unwanted dogs in public spaces like restaurants.

The technology company LISNR has developed "Smart Tones," which are ultrasonic sounds inaudible to humans but detectable by mobile phone microphones. These tones can be embedded in television commercials, stadium PA systems, or web pages to track user behavior across devices without requiring Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Intel Capital has invested in the technology, which is being integrated into various apps for proximity-based marketing and audience synchronization.

Ultrasonic tones are being used in sporting events and concerts to coordinate phone flashes and in mobile games like Candy Crush to track ad exposure. Security experts warn that this technology can de-anonymize users on privacy-focused platforms like the Tor browser by linking a desktop session to a nearby smartphone's ID. This "ultrasonic cross-device tracking" allows advertisers to build comprehensive profiles based on environmental audio cues.

An industry insider provides technical details regarding the uncontained engine failure on a Southwest Airlines flight. The report highlights issues with specific fan blade designs, the cost of ultrasonic inspections, and the history of joint ventures between GE and French engine manufacturers.

Chinese researchers have demonstrated that voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Cortana can be controlled using ultrasonic commands inaudible to the human ear. This "DolphinAttack" vulnerability allows hackers to send silent instructions to devices. The hosts discuss the potential for broadcasting these high-frequency commands via television or in public spaces, though they note technical limitations in podcast audio encoding.

Google removed several apps from its store that were found using ultrasonic frequencies to track users' locations and television viewing habits. These high-frequency "beacons" allow advertisers to profile consumers based on their physical proximity to retail stores or exposure to specific commercials, a modern evolution of psychographic marketing.