Editorial illustration for Jammer Aims to Block Always-Listening Wearables, Drops Flock Safety Deal
Jammer Tech Blocks Always-Listening Wearable Privacy Risks
Jammer Aims to Block Always-Listening Wearables, Drops Flock Safety Deal
Jammer’s new device promises to jam the microphones of smart glasses, earbuds and other wearables that listen for voice commands around the clock. The startup’s pitch hinges on a growing unease: gadgets that are always on, ready to capture conversation, even when users think they’re offline. Investors have taken note, but the market is still figuring out whether a consumer‑grade jammer can actually silence a device that’s designed to operate in noisy environments.
Last month the company hinted at a strategic tie‑up with Flock Safety, a firm whose own surveillance tools have sparked debate over public‑space monitoring. Within days, that collaboration was scrapped, signaling a shift in how the two controversial players view each other’s prospects. The move comes as a broader conversation about digital privacy gains momentum, prompting creators and technologists to question whether any device can truly remain private in a world of constant listening.
---
A week later, the company announced it would no longer pursue a planned partnership with the similarly controversial security company Flock Safety. "People are kind of waking up to the idea that they may not have privacy at any given time," says musician and YouTuber Benn Jordan, who makes videos ab
A week later, the company announced it would no longer pursue a planned partnership with the similarly controversial security company Flock Safety. "People are kind of waking up to the idea that they may not have privacy at any given time," says musician and YouTuber Benn Jordan, who makes videos about security and privacy issues like audio jammers and Flock security cameras. Like the hobbyist developer who created an app to warn people if someone is wearing smart glasses nearby, Spectre I is another effort to give users a way to take back control of their privacy. But for a device that uses AI and speakers to block other AI and microphones, the technology has to be proven to work first.
Will a tabletop orb really shield conversations from ever‑listening wearables? Deveillance says its Spectre I emits ultrasonic tones and uses AI to both jam recordings and catalog nearby microphones, all from a device that fits on a coffee table. The company admits it's still in development, and no independent testing has been presented, so its efficacy remains unclear.
Moreover, the claim that it can log microphones raises questions about what data the jammer itself collects and how that information might be used. A week after the launch, Deveillance announced it would no longer pursue a partnership with security firm Flock Safety, citing shifting public attitudes toward constant surveillance. Musician and YouTuber Benn Jordan noted that people are “waking up to the idea that they may not have privacy at any given time,” a sentiment that the product appears to capitalize on.
Whether Spectre I can deliver on its promise without creating new privacy concerns is still uncertain, and potential buyers should weigh the unproven technology against the growing demand for personal audio protection.
Further Reading
- Bracelet-Like Jammer Blocks Smart Speakers, Other Microphones with Ultrasonic Noise - Hackster.io
- Patent of the Week: A Wearable Microphone Jammer to Stop Devices from Eavesdropping - Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, University of Chicago
- Wearable Microphone Jammer - University of Chicago Technology Publisher
Related Reading
Business & Startups OpenAI, a Series F San Francisco startup founded in 2015 by eight pioneers
Business & Startups Terminal-Bench 2.0 launches with Harbor, testing any container-installable agent
Business & Startups Zuckerberg Unveils Meta Compute to Build Global AI Infrastructure
From Archives LangChain CEO says model quality alone won’t deliver production AI agents
From Archives The AI Doc lauds AI’s impact on filmmaking, ignoring concerns of artist Roher
Common Questions Answered
How does Jammer's device aim to protect privacy from always-listening wearables?
Jammer's device is designed to jam the microphones of smart glasses, earbuds, and other wearable devices that are constantly listening for voice commands. The startup's technology seeks to address growing consumer concerns about devices that can potentially capture conversations even when users believe they are offline.
Why did Jammer drop its planned partnership with Flock Safety?
While the article does not provide explicit details about the reason for dropping the Flock Safety partnership, it highlights the controversial nature of both companies' privacy-related technologies. The decision seems to reflect the complex landscape of privacy and surveillance technologies in the current market.
What challenges does Jammer face in developing an effective microphone jammer?
Jammer faces significant challenges in creating a consumer-grade device that can effectively silence always-listening wearables designed to operate in noisy environments. Investors are still evaluating whether such a device can truly provide the privacy protection it promises, and no independent testing has yet verified its efficacy.