The video discusses a leaked document from Cox Media Group suggesting that smart devices may be used for “active listening” to target advertisements, though skepticism remains regarding the extent of this practice. It also covers legal issues faced by Telegram’s CEO, the rise of tri-fold smartphones, and new tech releases, while emphasizing the importance of understanding news context through platforms like Ground News.
In a recent video, the host discusses a leaked document from Cox Media Group (CMG) that suggests smart devices, including smartphones, Smart TVs, and smart speakers, may be used for “active listening” to target advertisements. The document, reported by 404 Media, claims that CMG utilizes device microphones to identify potential buyers, listing major tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Facebook as partners. However, following the leak, Google removed CMG from its partner program, and Amazon denied any collaboration with them, raising questions about the validity of the claims. The host expresses skepticism about the extent of device listening, suggesting that it is more likely that CMG pays app developers for tracking rather than directly using microphones.
The video also covers the recent legal troubles faced by Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov, who was arrested in France for allegations related to the distribution of illegal materials on the platform. While Telegram is often perceived as a secure messaging app, the host points out that most chats are not encrypted by default, making them accessible to Telegram and authorities. French officials have criticized the platform for inadequate moderation, and there are ongoing investigations into whether Telegram has underreported its user numbers to avoid stricter regulations under the EU’s Digital Services Act. Durov has been released on bail, and the outcome of the legal proceedings remains uncertain.
In the tech world, the video highlights the emergence of tri-fold smartphones, with several companies racing to introduce their models. Techno has unveiled its Phantom Ultimate 2, a concept phone with a 10-inch display, while Huawei plans to launch its tri-fold phone soon. Xiaomi and Oppo are also in the mix, indicating a growing trend in foldable devices. The host notes that Huawei is likely to be the first to market with a functional tri-fold phone, which could lead to a surge of similar products from other manufacturers.
Additionally, the video features a brief segment on new tech releases, including an AI listening device called the Plot Note Pin, designed to record everything a user does. LG has announced a new smart home hub with an AI voice assistant, set to launch at the upcoming IFA event. The host also mentions a Windows 11 update that improves gaming performance for Ryzen CPU users and highlights new features in iOS and macOS, such as a cleanup tool similar to Google’s Magic Eraser.
Finally, the host emphasizes the importance of understanding the context behind news stories, particularly in politically charged situations like the Telegram case. They recommend using Ground News, a platform that aggregates and contextualizes news from various sources, providing insights into political bias and factuality. The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to explore Ground News for a more comprehensive understanding of current events.