Controversial Opinion In New Article Suggests Why NOT To Recommend Or Buy An Amazon Echo Smart Speaker

A new article has appeared that discusses the authors reasoning about why you should think twice before purchasing an Amazon Echo smart speaker.

A group of hackers at the recent hacker convention Defcon Security Conference in Las Vegas, presented a discussion about the ease in hacking the Amazon Echo and using it to "listen" (spy) on anyone speaking within it's vicinity.

Apparently (and reasonably), the researchers informed Amazon in advance about their findings, prior to making the presentation at the conference.

Amazon had implemented a patch for their top selling product after being informed and a spokesperson for Amazon advised that the vulnerability required physical access to the product, to enable the hack. The security patch was released in July.

Of concern, is the fact that the researchers DID NOT have physical access to the devices in question. They only had access to the LAN (Local Area Network).

The article appears in the source below.

The reason we include this article in our site, is because Amazon Echo devices and other smart speakers are increasingly being used to operate smart home product including (but not limited to) electronic door security products, deadbolts, alarm systems, cameras.

Personally, I feel that the article should have been worded differently and that authors should think hard before directly vilifying another company's product offering.

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Haven - New Application By Edward Snowden Suggests A Use For Your Retired Android Phone

Y'all may remember Edward Snowden, the former NSA employee who spilled the beans a few years ago about goings on at the NSA.

He has been busy recently developing all manner of things including this new application he calls Haven.

Haven is an application you may be able to store on your Android phone that can turn that phone into a security camera system for personal use.

There are not many intricate details released just yet, but essentially the application enables you to install a sensor and video/sound capture system on your used Android mobile phones, using the already built in camera, microphone, light sensors and messaging services to provide a sensible use for your used devices and get more life out of your used product.

Using a previous cellphone (mobile phone) or a "burner phone" often means that you could have a very inexpensive method of increasing your personal security without purchasing new hardware.

There are a few articles explaining about this new concoction of Snowden's and like him or not, he is considered by many to be on the cutting edge of security technology.

Check out the article in the source below for more details.

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Kuna - Smart Security Camera And Wireless Peephole

The Kuna is a sensational new product recently released to the mass market that can become your video peephole, a product that fills a wide and unfulfilled market segment.

We have posted about wireless peepholes and closed circuit camera systems in the past and received some interesting feedback about these products, but once in a while along comes a product that singularly changes the perspective. And does so for a realistic entry price.

The Kuna system offers distinctive styling while appealing to both the nouveau and rustic styled home owner.

This intelligent product combines the benefits of real time security with convenience, in our wired/wireless lifestyle.

Simply replace your current outdoor light with the easy to install Kuna. Connect to your wifi and app and that's it. Because the unit is hardwired to our residence (in place of the current light fixture), no batteries are required. Low voltage application means no electrician is required to complete the install. It is a real DIY product.

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Skybell - New Alternative To The Classic Doorbell

I have written about other versions of doorbells over the last few years, but as yet have not found the simple yet intuitive device that might solve the demands of many. Until now, that is.

The product featured in the video above, is a new product designed and built in the USA. Of simple construction and occupying a small footprint, the Skybell is designed to replace many of the common doorbells found on most of our homes.

Intercom systems have been around for about 50 years now and intercoms that include a video feed have been around for about 15 years. The technology required to build a long lasting video intercom product, has been evolving and improving frequently.

Skybell allows for connection to a home wifi system and can be viewed wirelessly on almost any wifi connected device. Your iPhone, your Android, your Mac, your Windows PC all can connect to this smart device, enabling your ability to see and hear the person at your door.

App controlled by your smart device, you can greet the person at your door, from the comfort of your current location, without physically answering the door.

What separates this from other "wireless" devices is that it actually connects to your mains. That means you never need to replace batteries.

Currently in crowdfunding mode, I expect this device to take off and finally we may have the appropriate product, so many inquirers are searching for.

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Multi Video Conferencing

For the last few years i have been working with a talented Australian programmer to produce a multi-video conferencing application. There is absolutely no download...so no way a virus can get in.

Pictured here is a screenshot of a six-person chatroom (with me shown on six separate tabs)



I have attached a link to our video conferencing chatroom for use by anyone.
CAVEAT: We have no control about what/who posts their image or sound through this medium. Users are advised that use of the facility is at their own risk. No video/audio is recorded and/or saved.

Using Flash as the processor, means no download is required and any operating system capable of using flash will work

To create a conference that all your friends can enjoy with you, simply email them the link and instruct them to input your room name or create your own room as suggested below. They will appear almost instantly on your computer screen.

If you wish to use your own room, simply enter your desired room name in the box at top right.

Enjoy!

check out Multi-Video Conferencing