Gadgetory

Apple is exploring how to make its own version of the Amazon echo smart speaker and sources tell cnet that Apple may put a camera in its version this camera could detect who is nearby using facial recognition technology so it would theoretically switch to my music and lighting preferences when I enter the room and have different profiles for other members of my family but there's one big problem Apple will have to solve if there's a camera in this smart home hub well people get freaked out over how Apple could see into your home and know everything you do can we trust the all-seeing eye of Tim Cook privacy and consumer trust our major hurdles tech companies need a tiptoe around while innovating for the smart home back in 2013 you remember when people freaked out when Xbox one was going to require a Kinect camera to function so Microsoft backtracked and made the camera optional even the successful amazon echo launched with criticism over how the speaker is always listening for you to say the keyword Alexa to wake it up similar uneasy feelings are brought up with televisions that are listening for your command leaving you to wonder if your conversations are being recorded or where that audio data is going if we are getting more comfortable with voice commands a camera does take concerns to a new level those familiar with apples plans tell seen it that Apple could abandon the idea of a camera and the product may not come out until next year a few days ago Google revealed its own take on the Amazon echo smart speaker it's called google home there's no camera but it also responds to voice commands and it'll come out later this year that's it for this tech news update before I sign off I have a quick programming note i am going on maternity leave no surprise for those of you that have seen my belly in previous video reports but while I'm away on leave you'll still be getting updates the reports in great hands with ayahs akhtar and Jeff Bakalar and I want to thank the viewers that said to their kind words of support as they venture into mommy land I'll see you all again in a few months I'm Bridget Carey thanks for watching