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HomePod So does HomePod always listen to my living room now?

Benz63amg

Benz63amg

macrumors 601
Original poster
Oct 17, 2010
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I just got my space gray homepod and this question is something im wondering about. How is it NOT always listening(Some people claim Siri only starts listening when it hears Hey Siri) if it needs to listen at all times to hear "Hey Siri" which is when it initiates to listening to commands?
 
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It is always listening, but that is all it is doing until it hears 'Hey Siri', at that point it begins 'recording', and when your command is complete, it uploads it to Apple for interpretation and action.

There is no data collected from the HomePod's local environment until it hears the trigger.
 
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Say, "Hey Siri, stop listening" and HomePod won't listen anymore. You'll have to walk over to HomePod and tap the top to get it to listen again but at least you can turn off those microphones if you want to.

Unless the "Hey, Siri" command is issued, the ONLY thing Siri is listening for is "Hey, Siri". Period. And that's all handled on the HomePod itself. Until you actually say "Hey, Siri" NOTHING is getting sent from HomePod to Apple's servers.

Stop worrying and enjoy your HomePod.

Mark
 
maflynn said:
Yes, as noted, its always listening


Why? Just curious. I don't use Siri on the phone much, but I do use it.


So is it a concern that its always listening? I'm not sure I'm understanding your point
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Well, it’s not a concern as long as it’s only listening for the “Hey Siri” keyword at all times and only starts recording and sending voice data to Apple when it hears Hey Siri, I don’t think there is a way we could prove that though now can we.
 
Benz63amg said:
Well, it’s not a concern as long as it’s only listening for the “Hey Siri” keyword at all times and only starts recording and sending voice data to Apple when it hears Hey Siri, I don’t think there is a way we could prove that though now can we.
Click to expand...
Apple has stated that they completely anonymize what is sent back to apple, and they don't send everyhting, i.e., any conversations prior to hey siri. Also this is probably one of the biggest hindrences that Apple has, that Google (and I presume Amazon), doesn't have. Both have less stringent privacy policies and more of your info is sent to the mothership to be used for marketing.
 
maflynn said:
Apple has stated that they completely anonymize what is sent back to apple, and they don't send everyhting, i.e., any conversations prior to hey siri. Also this is probably one of the biggest hindrences that Apple has, that Google (and I presume Amazon), doesn't have. Both have less stringent privacy policies and more of your info is sent to the mothership to be used for marketing.
Click to expand...

But how can apple's claim that they dont record and gather any voice data PRIOR to saying Hey Siri be proven? i guess we'll just have to take apple's word for it.
 
Benz63amg said:
But how can apple's claim that they dont record and gather any voice data PRIOR to saying Hey Siri be proved? i guess we'll just have to take apple's word for it.
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Other then using a network sniffer to view what packets of data are being sent, you can't prove it and if it bothers you, then turn off Siri.

I'm not worked up over it, but if it bothers you, then maybe a smart speaker is not the best product for you (because as I mentioned google/amazon are more lax on using your info). Get a speaker system that can be plugged in your computer and/or a stereo system
 
maflynn said:
Other then using a network sniffer to view what packets of data are being sent, you can't prove it and if it bothers you, then turn off Siri.

I'm not worked up over it, but if it bothers you, then maybe a smart speaker is not the best product for you (because as I mentioned google/amazon are more lax on using your info). Get a speaker system that can be plugged in your computer and/or a stereo system
Click to expand...

I'm not "concerned", I was just wondering how the process of Hey Siri and the built in microphone works. I'll take apple's word that its respecting our privacy.
 
Benz63amg said:
I'm not "concerned", I was just wondering how the process of Hey Siri and the built in microphone works. I'll take apple's word that its respecting our privacy.
Click to expand...
Its listening for the catch phrase, and then it activates once that is triggered.
 
Not to burst your bubble, but I don't think anyone at Apple cares what you talk about at home... The amount of data they need to process to analyse every HomePod owner says would make their pile of cash shrink, and Tim doesn't like to see the pile shrink!

On a serious note: Apple is always saying how privacy is important to them, if they ever get caught stealing data, they'll be in a major ****storm. They even get sewed for making sure iPhones with old batteries don't crash ;-)
 
Benz63amg said:
But how can apple's claim that they dont record and gather any voice data PRIOR to saying Hey Siri be proven? i guess we'll just have to take apple's word for it.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't trust or take any major corporations word for anything. At the end of the day they just want as much money as possible and will do anything necessary to maximize profits. If you believe the fanboys and think only Google uses your data to sell you stuff and market to you, then I have a bridge to sell you.
 
Benz63amg said:
Well, it’s not a concern as long as it’s only listening for the “Hey Siri” keyword at all times and only starts recording and sending voice data to Apple when it hears Hey Siri, I don’t think there is a way we could prove that though now can we.
Click to expand...

Yeah we can. I monitor network traffic, and there isn't any from the HomePod until it wakes to 'Hey Siri'. None at all.
 
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The Game 161 said:
Pointless even buying the homepod doing that.
Click to expand...

Why? I'd argue right now that its primary feature is playing music. I believe even Apple market it as a speaker first. Siri is secondary right now.

Benz63amg said:
I wont be doing that as its a main feature of my HomePod.
Click to expand...

Fixed that for you. It's the main feature of yours, perhaps. I think I've used it twice so far.
 
AdamA9 said:
Why? I'd argue right now that its primary feature is playing music. I believe even Apple market it as a speaker first. Siri is secondary right now.



Fixed that for you. It's the main feature of yours, perhaps. I think I've used it twice so far.
Click to expand...

If that’s all you want to use it for get a Bluetooth speaker
 
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