Just tell me my Pixel 3 isn't always listening and I'll be good (very specific search suggestion)

[PaulQ]

First of all, that IS quite the nightmare, bless you for working through it all. But not all of those swatches are from flexsteel, matter of fact most aren't so it looks like a bigger query than what it really is...

I have to relive this nightmare this afternoon so I'll take a look at how many are flexsteel. I should clarify, that picture is from store #1 , not where this incident took place. The only diffeence is that store #2 where this took place had stacks of huge binder rings full of flextseel fabric. I think it's still in the 1,000 range when you consider how each card can have multiple swatches. This is probably just nitpicking.

So, here's what I mean about people are predictable... I haven't been to a funiture store, as you have, or even heard of flexsteel until your post. But when I went to search it, look what pops up in my choices after just the first five letters... That's because of other people's interest like yours, and the chances that mine are the same ...

I am following your logic and I acccept that queries for "flexs..." would bring up "flexsteel" in the list. As you can see from your list, the other options tell me there aren't a lot of things that people search for with those first 5 letters. You are absolutely correct.

I am still having trouble with the fact it went from "flex" to "flexsteel fabric 912-01" .... not "flexsteel couch" ... not "flexsteel stores"... not even "flexsteel fabric".

I'll take a stab at this and incorporate your logic:

1. Google knew I was in a furniture store that I probably searched for directions to after searching for stores that sell flexsteel furniture (which was a search that didn't bring up this store)
2. Google knew I had been in the store for a certain amount of time
3. Google knew it was my second trip to the store
4. Google has determined that people search their phones for fabric colors after visiting the store twice and being in the store for that amount of time.
5. (assumption) The color "912-01" is currently the most popular of the hundreds or thousands of colors (I have zero data to support this - the salesperson didn't indicate it and I forgot to mention that the store where this happened does NOT have the color 912-01 in their books of swatches - that's why we kept saying it over and over, trying to find it)

What do you think?

If that was the case, it only used my phone's location and the obvious - search queries. I still have trouble with it picking 912-01.

 

[anon(10092459)]

I'll take a stab at this and incorporate your logic:

Google knew I was in a furniture store that I probably searched for directions to after searching for stores that sell flexsteel furniture (which was a search that didn't bring up this store)
Google knew I had been in the store for a certain amount of time
Google knew it was my second trip to the store
Google has determined that people search their phones for fabric colors after visiting the store twice and being in the store for that amount of time.
(assumption) The color "912-01" is currently the most popular of the hundreds or thousands of colors (I have zero data to support this - the salesperson didn't indicate it and I forgot to mention that the store where this happened does NOT have the color 912-01 in their books of swatches - that's why we kept saying it over and over, trying to find it)


What do you think?

If that was the case, it only used my phone's location and the obvious - search queries. I still have trouble with it picking 912-01.

Definitely in that vein of thinking... Google knows that a sampling of other people share your recent pattern of behavior. That other people visit that store and some have looked up flexsteel 912-01, for whatever the reason, within a recent amount of time, just as you did. They just betting that you have an interest in that fabric, as others did when they went through their experience, based on the data that we all share with them.

If you type 'AQ" in the browswer right now the top is Aquaman movie that's currently out. That's based on other people and the popularity of that search right now, but maybe also the fact that I've looked up hero movies before and there's a high chance I have the same interest as others. It's just a bet on a pattern of behavior compared against other people.

 

[AustinIllini]

There are so many context clues Google uses for search. It's unlikely that eavesdropping is what is making these searched so uncanny. In general, I'm inclined to believe that those of you who have lived your lives on Android for years may be misjudging the amount of time you spend searching something.

Statements like"I never searched this before" are not only difficult or impossible to prove, they are also only part of the picture.

 

[PaulQ]

If you type 'AQ" in the browswer right now the top is Aquaman movie that's currently out. That's based on other people and the popularity of that search right now, but maybe also the fact that I've looked up hero movies before and there's a high chance I have the same interest as others. It's just a bet on a pattern of behavior compared against other people.

I get the same suggestion but that is a much, much smaller sample size. It is a major movie out right now that is very popular. At any given time, how many "big" movies are out in theatres? 3-5? I don't wonder about that at all.

 

[PaulQ]

First of all, that IS quite the nightmare, bless you for working through it all. But not all of those swatches are from flexsteel, matter of fact most aren't so it looks like a bigger query than what it really is...

Just to loop back for the record. Another store that admitted it tends to sell leather flexsteel sofas sent this photo of their flexsteel fabric collection. I would estimate that this quantity is similar to the quantity in my first photo. It's a lot of choices and it creates a large sample size.

In any case, I am going to settle with "magic" and Google's intense desire to be the most efficient and helpful to me as it possibly can!

My human brain cannot assemble a pathway to only offering a highly specific piece of cloth out of at least 1,000 choices as its ONLY suggestion in a search where I didn't even mention fabric, hadn't mentioned fabric anytime in my recent history (or ever?).

I mean - I could go on and on pointing out corroborating evidence making this seem even more impossible but, I like Google magic. If you reframe this, it's actually incredibly helpful that I got that search suggestion. It's what I wanted and I didn't have to type it all out.

I'm not going to stop using my Pixel or my Google Homes. It's not like I don't already voluntarily let Google know a tremendous amount about me.

An interesting discussion for sure.

 

[Gdraft#WN]

Ok Google is always listening. The question is, what does it do with that.

Say you are "discussing your questionable search history" with your wife....

Then a few hours later your wife mentions the "hubs" on her car and your Gogglie phone asks "which video you want to watch on p@rnhub?"

 

[mustang7757]

Ok Google is always listening. The question is, what does it do with that.

Say you are "discussing your questionable search history" with your wife....

Then a few hours later your wife mentions the "hubs" on her car and your Gogglie phone asks "which video you want to watch on p@rnhub?"

It doesn't do anything with it , they need to zero in on a particular person and if u happen to be the one they now know you watching porn lol
FBI ,CIA and law enforcement agency or hackers they cannot listen to everyone at once they need to zero in on you and only you if your under their radar. (Dont ask how I know) lol

 

[anon(10092459)]

In any case, I am going to settle with "magic" and Google's intense desire to be the most efficient and helpful to me as it possibly can!

Lol! Even though the more of of your story you share, the more data points to exactly how it could give you such a specific search choice, Google "magic" is good enough for me as well. Hopefully, all the services make all this a bit easier for you and your spouse.

 

[Mr Segundus]

I never had this problem on any iPhones, but I get it on my Pixel all the time. I am not comfortable with it and it makes me want to ditch it for something else.

I actually returned my Google Home Hub because I didn't trust it. Nobody should own "smart accessories" that's always listening.

 

[AustinIllini]

I never had this problem on any iPhones, but I get it on my Pixel all the time. I am not comfortable with it and it makes me want to ditch it for something else.

I actually returned my Google Home Hub because I didn't trust it. Nobody should own "smart accessories" that's always listening.

Is your tin foil hat itchy?

 

[Mr Segundus]

Is your tin foil hat itchy?

I find it creepy and I don't feel comfortable with it. Hell, a guy was just sent 1,000+ transcripts of a guy talking in the privacy of his own home caught on an Alexa: https://www.seattletimes.com/nation...-amazon-sends-alexa-recordings-to-wrong-user/

I don't like it. I have removed all "smart accessories" from my home. I don't need a private company somewhere recording and storing all of my private conversations.

 

[mustang7757]

I dont blame you..

 

[Almeuit]

I still haven't personally noticed this happen to me yet. Maybe it has and I haven't seen it but I have 3x Google Home devices + a Fire TV Cube and haven't seen an ad for something I have only talked about.

 

[anon(10092459)]

I just don't see the point in a device listening for the sake of that, especially for Google. They already know everything about their users, so I'm not sure what there would be to for them to gain from privacy violations with their users.

I mean, why even bother with all that if you're Google?

 

[Robisan]

They already know everything about their users, ...

I mean, why even bother with all that if you're Google?

Do they? If the crown jewel of your business model is user information is there ever really enough? Hard to see TPTB at Google saying 'nah, we're good, let's pass on this option for data gathering.' OTOH, can totally see them telling their team of high priced lawyers 'find us a technically legal rationale for collecting as much as possible.'

 

[anon(10092459)]

Do they? If the crown jewel of your business model is user information is there ever really enough? Hard to see TPTB at Google saying 'nah, we're good, let's pass on this option for data gathering.' OTOH, can totally see them telling their team of high priced lawyers 'find us a technically legal rationale for collecting as much as possible.'

Google has more working knowledge about their users and their behavior than any other single company in the world. Granted more is always better, but eavesdropping on a wife nipping at her spouse about leaving the seat up or some guy barking at his son to cut the grass while breaking privacy policies and user confidence seems counterintuitive, IMO. If anything, Google needs users to have full confidence and, in turn, use more services.

 

[elvee68]

I find it creepy and I don't feel comfortable with it. Hell, a guy was just sent 1,000+ transcripts of a guy talking in the privacy of his own home caught on an Alexa: https://www.seattletimes.com/nation...-amazon-sends-alexa-recordings-to-wrong-user/

I don't like it. I have removed all "smart accessories" from my home. I don't need a private company somewhere recording and storing all of my private conversations.

You should know to completely get rid of that is to
1. Sign off the internet.
2. Shut down all smart devices.
3. Use cash for everything.

Because truth is everything is tracked unless you go completely off grid.

I'm not trying to be a troll but you're either in or out. There is no grey area with this kind of stuff.

 

[PaulQ]

You should know to completely get rid of that is to
1. Sign off the internet.
2. Shut down all smart devices.
3. Use cash for everything.

Because truth is everything is tracked unless you go completely off grid.

I'm not trying to be a troll but you're either in or out. There is no grey area with this kind of stuff.

I am going to step in and support Mr. Segundus even though I am not in the same camp as he is. I just want to touch on one of the points.

You are saying it's an either "in" or "out" situation. It's not. At least, as of today, it's not. I think Mr. Segundus's decision to toss the smart speaker does lower his potential exposure.

Consider these choices:

• Use cash or use credit cards
• Use smart lighting or traditional lighting
• Use a smart thermostat or not use one
• Use a smart speaker or not use one
• Use Chrome, Firefox, Tor, or another browser
• Use a VPN or use your regular ISP connection
• Use your ISP's DNS server or another
• Use a smartphone or a feature phone
• Use SMS or WhatsApp or Signal
• Use social media or not (or even reduce your participation)

You can use any combination of those and create different levels of exposure. I do believe there are twisted ways that companies can figure things out but I don't believe we are at a place where we have absolutely no control. At least, not today.

I was thinking of saying "Use a Pixel or another phone" --- that probably makes a difference - I don't know - do you think it's a big difference over any other Android phone?

 

[Mike Dee]

I am going to step in and support Mr. Segundus even though I am not in the same camp as he is. I just want to touch on one of the points.

You are saying it's an either "in" or "out" situation. It's not. At least, as of today, it's not. I think Mr. Segundus's decision to toss the smart speaker does lower his potential exposure.

Consider these choices:

• Use cash or use credit cards
• Use smart lighting or traditional lighting
• Use a smart thermostat or not use one
• Use a smart speaker or not use one
• Use Chrome, Firefox, Tor, or another browser
• Use a VPN or use your regular ISP connection
• Use your ISP's DNS server or another
• Use a smartphone or a feature phone
• Use SMS or WhatsApp or Signal
• Use social media or not (or even reduce your participation)

You can use any combination of those and create different levels of exposure. I do believe there are twisted ways that companies can figure things out but I don't believe we are at a place where we have absolutely no control. At least, not today.

I was thinking of saying "Use a Pixel or another phone" --- that probably makes a difference - I don't know - do you think it's a big difference over any other Android phone?

I don't think it's a big difference over any other Android phone.

 

[Mr Segundus]

You should know to completely get rid of that is to
1. Sign off the internet.
2. Shut down all smart devices.
3. Use cash for everything.

Because truth is everything is tracked unless you go completely off grid.

I'm not trying to be a troll but you're either in or out. There is no grey area with this kind of stuff.

Your smart *** remark is unwarranted.