A marketing team within media giant Cox Media Group (CMG) claims it has the capability to listen to ambient conversations of consumers through embedded microphones in smartphones, smart TVs, and other devices to gather data and use it to target ads, according to a review of CMG marketing materials by 404 Media and details from a pitch given to an outside marketing professional. Called “Active Listening,” CMG claims the capability can identify potential customers “based on casual conversations in real time.”
I’d guess they’re planning on making their own stuff that does. I’ve already seen a “free” TV with an extra screen that just shows ads, has a camera, etc.
People are suckers, and there’s plenty of unscrupulous companies willing to monetise that.
Well, “actually listening to your phone” is a very strong statement (which I think it’s false) and completely different from what you’ve reported. This sounds to me to a very big fake news!