I agree. It’s already being used for smoke alarm detection so it already must be always listening. I fail to see how this is a privacy issue in your own home.
You’re kidding right? You fail to see how this is a privacy concern? Also, if it’s listening for a fire alarm it doesn’t mean it’s always listening. It’s like a “hey siri” command.
It’s a privacy concern because people - even family - have what’s called a “reasonable expectation of privacy”. Most states have laws against recording folks without their knowledge or consent. There are states called two party consent - meaning all parties involved must consent. And there are states with one party consent, meaning someone in the party must consent. I’m not aware of a place where there is a free for all on recording without anyone’s consent - though perhaps that does exist.
Having a device record surreptitiously - even in your own house -(frankly I find that more frightening - think abusive relationships) is horrifying.
Sure, there are other ways to do this. But Apple would very likely avoid this legal conundrum at all costs. I could only imagine the headlines the week after this feature was dropped.
If this became a “feature” I would drop these devices off at the nearest goodwill and believe it or not, I too have “nothing to hide”. In fact I have devices that are video and voice recorders in my home. But they are placed in particular areas for specific reasons. And I am very particular about the companies I use.
Because I realize if I can access that data, more than likely someone else can as well. which is why I would toss the HomePods I have throughout my house as they are placed throughout