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Google Home - $124.99 Shipped (SG) @ Shopmonk

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Shopmonks daily deal. Google Home at the cheapest I’ve seen it. They’re now saying Melbourne based warranty service so that’s a plus but obviously at this price grey imported stock.

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  • +3

    I'm progressive with technology, but this troubles me, like having Google listen to every word.. Yeah Yeah I know it listens only after the hotword, but Google Mini went rogue and transmitted all and it can happen again by mistake ( or intentionally )

    • +2

      Only you have access to what it transmits anyway. Google knows everything about you already anyway.

      • +2

        well they don't have access to what I say every minute and I'd like to keep it that way :D

        • +9

          Hey Kamban, I've got a fantastic solution for you. Don't buy it.

        • +3

          @TonyRancid: Yup, I've reached the decision long back and I highly recommend the same to anyone else concerned as well

        • -4

          @kamban:so what you are saying is that if somebody is concerned about something they might buy, then ease the concern by not buying.
          Genius idea.

        • +10

          @TonyRancid: Thanks for the sarcasm mate, here's a funny strip for you to enjoy in between your gloats

          http://www.smbc-comics.com/comic/listening

        • +1

          @kamban:

          Ta Kamban, that was a hoot….or very sad but true.

        • @TonyRancid:
          If everyone thinks as dumb as you we are in trouble !
          He is actually raising a very valid concern.

        • +1

          @mrsina1: thanks @mrsina1 , I can't believe how many people want to spend $100+ to give away more of their info :)

        • @havebeerbelywillsumo: happy to make one of our ZB people smile ☺️

        • we heard that.

        • @ColonelYumYum: sorry heard what

        • So you don't have an Android phone or iPhone which reacts to Ok Google or Siri?

        • @mrsina1: is it a bargain, or has this become "googlehomeinvasionofprivacyalert.com.au"?

        • @littlegreenman: turned those off , u may want to research about it

        • +1

          Kannan, I hope you don't have a smart phone, a regular mobile phone or even a home phone. No laptop, no smart watch, no web cam and no security cameras. All of those are just as likely to listen in on you

        • @MikeKulls: right 4-5 guys are smacking you , So u go ahead and give money to someone else to come and bash u more, u r already being beaten up, what's one more guy gonna do to u

          On a serious note, u maynot be using Linux or setting up ur devices to not spy on u and take it from granted, a few of us are worried about it and we take care and advise others to be cautious as well, that's bothering u how??

          The famboyism is getting huge here

        • @TonyRancid: so the next time anyone advertises a bargain, u don't want someone to highlight any concern about it, sorry but the logic is pathetic

        • @kamban: Mate, I actually think it is a massive invasion of privacy, that we are by and large walking blindly into.
          I find it strange that people are far more willing to give information to a company that to a government agency.
          I've not started calling anyone names, that would be both dumb and pathetic.

          All I was doing was jovially pointing out that this is a bargain website.

          lighten up

        • +1

          @kamban: can't but any phone, tv, smart device also right?

        • @OnlinePred: u can't read comments already discussing this below right??

        • @kamban: yes I didn't see, I guess others pointed out the file in your logic too

        • @OnlinePred: And I replied why to them and it applies to your query too.

        • @kamban: yea but doesn't answer the whole logic flip. Hence so many comments.

        • @OnlinePred: Well in a nutsheel -> if you are really itersted, the always listen option on the phone/laptop/whatnot can be turned off, Google home/Alexa are designed for this, so makes no point in doing so in them
          second,you are paying money to get someone to mine more data off you, why? because you already are giving it away, not a very good point

          and the last of all, not many of you are interested in protecting the final shreds of privacy, so no point in explaining further, your life, your data, feel free to hand it over and pay them as well - good choice

        • @kamban: too many benefits in being progressive. I mean not taking part in social networking or credit cards or reward programs is missing out on a lot. I'm all in with my data, and love the benefits as I'm progressive and love technology.

        • @OnlinePred: I agree with "I mean not taking part in social networking or credit cards or reward programs is missing out on a lot" , but how is this connected with letting Google record what we speak

        • @kamban: because they all record personal information about the stage of life your are at, your interests, your health, your digital life etc etc just from where your travel or what your buy. I mean to say you don't want one company to have your meta data, meanwhile you are already sharing more meta data and personal information through gov services, credit cards, ISP even with VPN, using internet on your phone or at work, reward programs, frequent flyers, bank accounts etc etc etc. It's very hypocritical to turn around and say "oh that one company and tech I don't want them to have my info" which is funny as it's prob the one company you would get the most benefits from.

        • @OnlinePred: I don't choose sides, just want to avoid creating one more avenue to give away more data, I seriously can't understand the logic you guys are taking, just coz you are being looted by many people, you want to grant rights to another way to swindle you

          Anyway no point in trying to debate on this, looks like neither of us will budge from our views

        • @kamban: I'm a Dev doing a bit of machine learning with a new interest in AI as I love tech, meanwhile I have regular amazing discussions with my mate who has been pen tester and security consultant for over a decade - he will regarly ask why I out so much effort into one facet of security while completely ignoring the obvious ones.

        • @OnlinePred: Good to hear that you are having debates about security, we all should be doing it, especailly when using foreign companies(unfortunately we have a dearth of domestic companies offering the services needed)

          I'm looking at studying machine learning as well, but got my hands full taking care of family, will have more next year this time, maybe I'll hit you up with a discussion at the time as u may be well trained :)

    • +13

      If you don't trust it to not transmit everything even when you tell it not to, then the same logic can be applied to Android phones just sitting around to respect your privacy.

      • -5

        The hotword detection is turned off in my phone

        • +8

          So? That's just a software setting, if Google or any permissioned App or or manufacturer firmware backdoor or any backdoor government agency want to listen in they can regardless of the setting.

          At least Android has a permissions system, Windows PC is free for all, except their AppStore apps but nobody uses those anyway.

          If someone is going to spy on you then it probably won't be via a top tier device under a lot of scrutiny. It will be some minor app.

        • -1

          @joelmuzz: Amen to that and to make sure you don't provide unnecessary permissions to the wallpaper app being installed

        • @SimBech: I've not given permission for it to use the microphone or the camera on my Android , I don't mean they won't have another exploit, but I'm protecting my data as much as I can

        • @kamban: but google themselves have just as much access to the mic in your phone as they do to the mic in the Google home. What you are saying just makes zero sense. You don't install additional apps on the Google home so it is less likely to be an issue.

        • @MikeKulls: that comment was for Facebook, in the Google app on ur phone u can turn off the voice option, God dunno how many times I have to repeat like a parrot

        • @kamban: you are repeating the same thing because you failed to understand the point I raised and others raised. Turning it off is just software. From a layman's terms it might appear that you have physically turned it off for good but the OS (ie google) still has full access to it and could still listen just as easily. With the phone there are a ton of apps that could hack the mic and potentially listen in. With the Google home it is just google so much safer.

        • @MikeKulls: likewise U r missing the point, the list commonly used apps fare similar vetting by Google, using permissions u can manage this unless Google itself bakes it into OS , but that's better by XDA developers , so Ur argument is moot

          I don't care if u wish to give access to Ur life like Truman show, go ahead

          My argument is for the small grou of people who want to keep conversation private

        • @kamban: no, I get what you're saying. What you fail to understand is a smart phone is more likely to listen in on you than Google home. You seem to think turning off ok google on your phone somehow physically removes the mic from your phone. It is no different to the mic not transmitting your voice until after you say ok google. It's all just a software switch and either is just as likely to be an issue. I'm not sure how else to explain this.

        • @MikeKulls: mate I'm not as ignorant as u think, I dally in android code and a member of XDA, if Google bakes that option in, the community would know ASAP, just coz u think they can do it it doesn't mean they can get away with it easily

          On the contrary Google home is designed to listen

          I'm sure u r not gonna accept my arguement, so have Ur peace of mind and buy a Google home for every room 👍

        • @kamban: ok, so same applies to google home. If google are listening in on you using Google home, it is open source, so everyone would know. The difference with the phone is there are a ton of apps that could hack the mic. With Google home it is just google. Basically anything you say about Google home applies to your phone to a greater degree. That is what I'm trying to point out and the point you seem to keep missing. Trusting your phone but not Google home makes no sense.

          As a side note, how common are hacks on microphones? Do you think hackers are going to spend hours listening to people just on the off chance of hearing someone read out their banking password or something?

        • @MikeKulls: with phone if u r careful with permissions, it's far safe, that's something u r missing unfortunately

          U may want to read on Google home architecture, the trigger can be updated on the server

          Also I'm not worried about hackers, but others, if I explain to u , u will shrug it off, I'll save my energy to battle my boss today

        • @kamban: you just keep saying the same thing and missing the point. "Off" is just software. Do you not get that? It's no different to "off" being google home waiting for ok google. I'm not saying there isn't a potential issue, I'm saying the issue is the same for any device that has a microphone and a connection to the outside world. It's a microphone connected to a device. The device is connected to the internet. Between the 2 is software that in both cases may or may not be secure.

        • @MikeKulls: even if that's the case what advantages are there in Google home for u to create one more channel to give voice recording data so easily , this is something u r so eager to do

          u r creating one more Avenue to give away Ur data, what's so hard in understanding this ??

          Also that software switch that u lament about is bakes securely in the OS,

        • @kamban: so in the olden days when you wanted to play music on the stereo you had to follow these steps. Find phone, unlock it, start Spotify, search for artist, find song, click play, connect to bluetoot multiple times because Bluetooth is a terrible technology. Now we just say "ok google play <insert band here> on the stereo". Sure it's a first world problem but this is where everything is going.

        • @MikeKulls: yeah similar to android auto voice commands, it isn't tipping the scales for me yet, let's see if the future has some killer feature that makes it inevitable

        • @kamban: the place I reckon it would be awesome is in the car. Currently I have to stop the car to change songw.

        • @MikeKulls: android auto is awesome, made my commute so much better with Audible app integration, and yes voice commands on it is awesome (ok Google allowed only when driving btw ;) )

      • +6

        Not just Android phones, surely any internet-connected device with a microphone?

    • +2

      Has a phone in hand with all personal information and listening 24 hours and is scared of a fixed transmitter….

      Priceless….

      • Not knowing how to disable listening 24 hours in the phone is what then, worthless ??

        • +1

          You can't disable it unless you have one of the rare secure phones. And odds are those secure devices are actually CIA honeypots so it's a tough goal.

          It doesn't matter what your setting is, a backdoor or exploit or app can do what it wants with your microphone and internet coms once established.

        • @joelmuzz: Yeah I agree there are always expolits, my argument is to avoid handing stuff easily as much as possible, not to roam around with a tinfoil hat

        • @kamban:
          Just have a look at all the permissions your apps have and you will see what I mean.

        • @Bippz01: with Android nougat it asks for individual permission , I only provide necessary permissions

        • @Bippz01: yeah I stay on the latest security patches, not overly worried about the phone ecosystem, but still not comfortable in a Google home

      • +2

        And probably complaining about it on Facebook the biggest harvesters.
        Commented on one today, he had kids and inside of house and tagged people all over public profile, also laughed at Kinnect looking at everything in a picture which has similar audio capabilities as Assist but with IR cameras which see through white clothes too.
        But oh no, the Google is a threat to their privacy.

        • Well don't confuse that moron with me, I'm advocating safe handling of our data and to protect privacy and I don't take fanboyish sides to tech, I use them all platforms judiciously

    • that was a faulty case in a demo/pre-release toy which triggered the hardware talk/record button.

      But yeah it's convenience vs privacy. people seem to prefer convenience.

      If you're in a noisy house like me, Google has no chance at listening in, even when you request her too. My fav is a mates 3yo who whenever I say "Hey Google" SHouts "Hey google hey goolge, hey google, hey google STOP STOP Google, hey google hey google STOP" over the top of me.

      • -1

        haha @ the kid being a champ, also Google Mini touch interface is disabled even now, they nuked the option until further notice

        I get the convenience vs Privacy thing and for me so far the benefits of Google Home is miniscule. The guys above may find it better than sliced bread, but I don't buy into it.

        Google ( and others like Amazon Echo, Samsung home whatever) is setting this up as an avenue for home automation, so we can open the doors without touching and imagine this situation: a lazy IT guy ( like me ) in the US timezone makes a buggy code commit and our doors open to the street in the middle of the night.. yay fun times ahead

      • Programs are tireless and have unlimited patience.

        • yeah I don't. But my kids like asking it silly qustions (which the standard response is "Sorry, I don't understand" or "I'm not sure how to answer that". But it is handy for them asking how to spell words, maths problems, and watCHING YOUTUBE CRAP ON tv>

        • @supabrudda: It's a nice image, your kids tormenting the google machine :)

        • @poohduck: >a nice image

          They have a high chance of becomeing lifelong, unquestioning Google consumers if they're under age 8.

      • Programs are tireless and have unlimited patience.

    • Yes, google is encroaching in more areas of our life at a rapid pace. It smacks of science fiction.

      I did think of a Mr Bean fix though, if someone must have this. Put a toggle switch on the microphone circuit, toggle on and give orders, then toggle off.

      • It actually has a switch.
        They also intended it to be possible to only work when tapped, but that's the capacitive touchswitch which malfunctioned during reviews and caused it to go into listen, so it's been disabled.

        • How convenient :)

    • +4

      Agreed, anyone who fills their house with microphones by an overseas data gathering company is a fool. Never thought i would see the day, but human stupidity is increasingly reaching new levels.

      • +2

        Exactly LowRange, many people are ready to throw away the last shreds of privacy because they have so much info already

        • +1

          ready to throw away the last shreds of privacy

          Not just privacy: also money. Also: unconsciously.

          So it's a device that invades your privacy and causes you to lose money without any awareness of that happening.

        • +1

          @Diji1: well said

    • +1

      I know it listens only after the hotword

      Sorry but how is it listening only after the key word that causes it to start listening - if that were the case it would never record anything because it would never start recording. That makes no sense at all, did that come from Google?

      • Sorry shoulda been clearer, it transmits to google servers only after the key word

    • +1

      I don't know about the home, but the mini has a hard toggle switch on the side to disable the microphone if you want it to stop listening at any point in time.

      Google (through my phone and Chrome) already know my porn habits, my shopping habits, where I travel and I use apps on my phone for internet banking. I'm pretty sure I don't say anything that Google wouldn't already know.

      • Well looks like u r happy to let them know how u sound after the reaching the climax of the porn, no stopping u brother/sister, go ahead in full steam 😄

    • All the Phone assistants that work from saying their name do this as well, so you wouldnt want a new samsung or iphone or pixel etc

      • You're missing the point, it can be turned off in those, doing so in Google home makes it somewhat redundant

    • Google Home (like Amazon Alexa) is an internet connected microphone with limited ability for users to corrupt the software.

      Compare that with mobile phones, tablets and PCs all internet connected phone/camera/gps, etc devices with plenty of opportunity for users to willingly add apps/applications from dodgy creators and corrupt the integrity of the devices. you won't be logging onto your bank account with Google Home but users will with all the other devices.

      Stick Facebook on your phone and your privacy is long gone. Even ankle bracelets on criminals only give location data compared to your mobile phone's capabilities to be harnessed.

      It's good to be aware of privacy risks but the logic has to be applied equally/fairly across all our modern devices! They can all have bugs too.

      • Time will tell mate, phones can be set to not record everything, due to battery limitations they haven't enforced it yet

        Now with AI enabled microphones designed for the sole purpose, it's a different beast altogether

        • If the phone is corrupted (for ulterior reasons) you won't be able to trust any settings even if they are there for show.

    • +2
      1. Why do you care if someone listens on you talking?, i mean i understand people have private things to say to each other but generally why would you care if someone listened to your everyday conversation about the weather or reminding you to buy milk?

      2. Who would actually decide to listen to you? i mean i really would not care as to what my neighbours or anybody else were saying to each other in their house. Unless you were famous, some CIA agent or a drug dealer in hiding why would anyone want to listen to you?

      3. IF the government, google, or someone really wanted to listen to your conversations or really wanted to know what you were doing i feel like "blocking" your phone isn't going to help.

      4. Do you use any social media?, if you do then in that sense your privacy is mostly gone anyways.

    • It was by mistake some first release ones had a manufacturing fault with some conductive glue on the cloth that made the touch button to activate always be on.

    • You do realise you are saying one thing, then another right? You either are progressive or you are not.

      • So Elon Musk is anti Progressive, since he doesn't want AI to progress rapidly to challenge humans??

        Everything in life is not black and white, many of us progressives have to open our minds further instead of sticking to narrow narratives.

        • He's progressive, and aware of what could happen, he has established a board to help guide AI while also pushing AI development in his own company so not sure what you are on about. Also he had one of his AI challenge humans in games recently.

          Wearing a tin foil hat is different to bring cautious and applying common sense.

  • +4
    • I bought last week @ $129, as the $au was dropping & I figured it's go up, not down - doh!

      They sent via DHL, took a week to send, but when it did go, it left their HK warehouse @ 6pm Wed, arrived 12pm Fri

  • Does it require a power adapter?

    • Of course.

    • Solar powered

    • +1

      it comes with a US->AU power adaptor plug

      • Thank you, this is the info I was asking, of course.

  • +11

    I wouldn't be buying anything from this company still waiting for my iPhone 8 from September! get an email every week saying it will be sent but that never happens! The phone number of the website doesn't ring either! AVOID

    • +4

      I contacted customer service - they told me to write an email over the phone. I did - bout 1 and half weeks later no word, i sent the same email and got a response 2 days later or so saying please be patient. about 3 weeks or more went by in total then i contacted them again to which they replied 2 days later stating its not under warranty- i have to follow up as it is covered under warranty…

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