Facebook seeks patent on tech that turns on your smartphone microphone June 28, 2018 https://mashable.com/2018/06/27/facebook-patent-secret-audio-recordings/?europe=true&utm_cid=hp-h-1 Patent application: http://www.freepatentsonline.com/20180167677.pdf
It would really be nice (I know it won't happen) if mfg's would build Androids with physical switch on the side to turn off the mic, speakers, and cameras - completely. Throw one switch and the phone could only monitor the "airwaves" for a phone call. The three aforementioned hardware components on the phone would require the flip of a switch to resume operation. It would be sooooooo easy to add that switch and would solve many issues for security maintenance. Of course I mean a switch where there is NO software way around it on the motherboard. Pipe dream?
But what about numerous other nefarious purposes. As usual, fakebook speaking out of both sides of their face. With the numerous FB debacles documented on this forum alone, it should be more then enough to give anyone a heads-up how evil this company is.
Nobody rich or representing the rich ever has to tell the truth. "Oh we'll never do that". They get caught then they walk it back - which years ago ALMOST NEVER worked. Was derided at or laughed at by everybody.
No, Facebook did not patent secretly turning your phone mics on when it hears your TV Please just read the claims June 28, 2018 https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/28/17514968/facebook-patent-rumor-phone-microphone-tv-ads
I wish you luck. You will almost have to possess the schematic to ascertain the circuitry so the connection cannot be re-enabled downstream from your switch. This would be absolute child's play for a mfg during design of the boards. There is likely some incentive for why it will never happen publicly.
The mic and camera are easy to see its a matter of inserting switches between them and the boards, the hard part is desoldering them without damaging the component or the board. It is imposible to re-enable a component that is isolated by a mechanical switch.
I don't agree the "claims" are "not hard to figure out" - and theverge saying there's no mention of the "word “phone” or “microphone” is only half the story. What about: (Underscore represents Link to: facebook-smart-speakers-international-launch-report-us-privacy-data-scrutiny) I wouldn't be quick in vindicating FB about anything - they've been caught with their hand in the cookie jar too often to be trusted. There's NO WAY I would even begin to endorse FB acting as nanny and legal guardian of such patents as BROADCAST CONTENT VIEW ANALYSIS BASED ON AMBIENT AUDIO RECORDING (assuming they aren't lying/being deceptive about their intentions). No company whoever they are should ever be given such power to preside over such insidious invasions of privacy as described under the "claims" of said application.
I know you are correct IF you are going to the actual component. I was thinking you were going to break a trace on the PC board rather than risk the heat on those little mics and such. Years ago I used to "burn/create" my own boards when I was in engineering school. Technology has made what I used to do project me as a "caveman". LOL! I haven't taken my smartphones apart but cameras on both sides and very tiny components would challenge the current shape of my eyes. Expensive shop gear is good compensation though!
