Startup Unveils Orb to Fight Always-Listening AI

A new startup, Deveillance, has unveiled its first product, the Spectre I, a portable tabletop orb designed to prevent nearby devices from recording voices. Announced earlier this week, this microphone jammer combines ultrasonic frequency emitters with artificial intelligence.

Its capabilities include blocking voice capture and detecting/logging nearby microphones. The Spectre I is engineered to be compact enough for easy transport. The company anticipates releasing the Spectre I in the latter half of 2026, with a price tag of $1,199.

This announcement has generated significant online discussion. While some view it as a futuristic tool for personal privacy against always-listening AI devices, others have expressed skepticism about its effectiveness. Deveillance founder Aida Baradari, a recent Harvard graduate, expressed surprise at the virality of the announcement.

Baradari was motivated to create the Spectre I as a countermeasure to devices like the Bee AI bracelet and Friend pendant, which are always listening. She emphasized the importance of user choice regarding what data is shared and the potential impact on human connection if conversations are constantly under surveillance.

Public anxiety regarding privacy is heightened by current trends in government surveillance and big tech data collection. Recent pushback against Ring's use of cameras for public surveillance led the company to abandon a partnership with Flock Safety.

Musician and privacy advocate Benn Jordan notes a growing public awareness of privacy concerns.