Topic: Ultrasonic Tone

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.

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.