Smartphones, smart speakers, laptops, and even some TVs now come with microphones that are always nearby. Most of the time they’re waiting for a command, but the rise of AI assistants has made many people wonder how much these devices actually hear.
A startup called Deveillance believes the concern is real enough to build a solution. Its new device, the Spectre I, is designed to protect conversations by blocking microphones from recording them.
The idea is simple: create a small portable device that keeps nearby listening devices from understanding what you say.
How Does the Spectre I Block Microphones?
The Spectre I works by creating what the company calls a two-meter “privacy zone.”
A device that has been activated will find other microphones in the area and send out signals or tones that cannot be heard by a human. Those signals or sounds will mix with your voice and create audio that is difficult for both recording devices and A.I. to understand.
To put it more simply, microphones would still pick up sound, but the sound of your voice would be altered (or distorted) so that it is no longer easily understood or processed.
According to their website, the technology utilizes the ability to process signals, uses a combination of techniques from A.I. and utilizes physics research to alter (or “scramble”) the audio in real-time.
Why Devices Like This Are Getting Attention
Concerns about digital privacy have grown as microphones appear in more everyday gadgets. Voice assistants, video meeting tools, and smart home devices all rely on constant listening for commands.
Even though companies say these systems only activate when triggered by wake words, some users remain uneasy about the possibility of unintended recordings or data collection.
Products like Spectre I aim to give people more control over when their conversations can be captured.
What the Device Looks Like
Spectre I was designed with mobility and compactness as key features. Spectre I can be easily set on a table when in a meeting or packed away in a bag when travelling.
Once Spectre 1 has been turned on, its presence will be indicated by a small light, showing that it is now operating and provides some level of protection to the area surrounding it.
The concept behind Spectre I is the same as that of putting speakerphones in the centre of a meeting room, but the goal of the Spectre I device is privacy rather than communication.
Price and Availability
The device is currently open for pre-orders. Customers can reserve one by placing a refundable deposit of $1,199 (around £900).
If everything goes according to plan, initial shipments are expected in the second half of 2026.
Devices like the Spectre I are still relatively new, so real-world performance will likely depend on the environment and the type of microphones nearby.
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