New Samsung TV Watches You Watching It 320
CanHasDIY writes "Straight out of 1984, Samsung has unveiled a new series of televisions with integrated cameras and microphones, complete with facial and voice recognition software. Best of all, there appears to be no physical indication of the mic and camera's status, so consumers have no way of knowing when they're being monitored, or by whom... and if you don't find the idea of a TV that watches you creepy enough, apparently Samsung's Terms of Service include a clause allowing third-party apps to make use of the monitoring system, and use the data gathered for their own purposes. Nothing Orwellian about that..."
Re:Omnipresent Surveillance (Score:3, Interesting)
I choose to reject it. Not easy, but it can be done.
Max Headroom? (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:What is the difference between this and xbox? (Score:2, Interesting)
The webcam on my laptop has an LED light up when powered on. This TV lacks such an indicator.
It begs the question: (Score:2, Interesting)
Who watches the watcher watchers?
Re:Omnipresent Surveillance (Score:5, Interesting)
Common response: "If you're not breaking the law, why wouldn't you let the cops search your car? (Or track you with cameras?) (Or record all your internet actions?)" -- It's amazing how easily americans are to give up their freedom to the government tyrants.
Re:Soviet Russia jokes overload (Score:5, Interesting)
'Biker!' screamed the shrewish voice from the telescreen. '1066130 Blind Biker! Yes, you! Post faster, please!'
A sudden hot sweat had broken out all over Biker's body. His face remained completely inscrutable. Never show dismay! Never show resentment! A single click of the mouse could give you away. He stood watching while the moderator raised her cursor above his post and -- one could not say gracefully, but with remarkable neatness and efficiency -- clicked the +1, Funny button.
'There, citizens! That's how I want to see you doing it. Watch me again. I've got thirty-nine tabs open and I've got four alts. Now look.' She made another post. 'You see my keyboard isn't crufty. You can all do it if you want to," she added as she clicked on another post. 'Anyone with under forty-five tabs open is perfectly capable of getting a solid first post. We don't all have the privilege of fighting in the front line, but at least we can all keep fit. Remember our boys in the Chans! And the screening bots in the NSA datacenters! Just think what they have to put up with. Now try again. That's better, comrade, that's much better,' she added encouragingly as Biker, with a violent lunge, succeeded in achieving a (+5, Funny) on a first post, for the first time in several years.
- Anonymous Coward, 2012
Re:What is the difference between this and xbox? (Score:2, Interesting)
Child porn? (Score:5, Interesting)
If this thing videos some teenagers screwing, will employees of the company be prosecuted under child porn laws? Will the teenagers be arrested for making child porn?
Re:Omnipresent Surveillance (Score:5, Interesting)
Oh hush. It's very easy.
50 cent roll of electrical tape. Cut a 3x3cm square using scissors. Place it over the camera aperature.
1$ bottle of superglue. The watery runny kind that whicks up into paper, and has a long neck applicator. Lay the television temporarily on a soft, cushioned surface face up, say, on the sofa. Into the microphone grill, gently dribble the runny superglue. Leave in this position for 2 to 3 hours for maximal cone set. Return television to the entertainment center, and feel marginally safer.
>
Ooops. yo've just invalidated your warranty
From TFA Samsung says:
Samsung assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable, in connection with whether any such products or services will be appropriate, functional or supported for the Samsung products or services available in your country.
and
Want to read the owner’s manual for your new Samsung TV? This is accomplished by download, as Samsung stopped including printed owner’s manuals at least two years ago. However, before you may download the manual, you must first agree to the following online statement: Samsung assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable, in connection with whether any such products or services will be appropriate, functional or supported for the Samsung products or services available in your country.
In Australia, not only would these statements not have any legal standing, I suspect one or both may actually be in violation of consumer protection laws.
Re:Samsung, huh? (Score:4, Interesting)
that's the point - if you're not in front of the zombie box, soaking up TOWIE/BGT/Eastenders/whateverothershiteisonthesedays, then it is assumed that you're up to no good. Ergo, you be fucked.