Microsoft contractors have been listening to Skype and Cortana conversations without the full knowledge and consent of the apps’ users, claims a report.
We were almost immediately proved wrong when we said Microsoft, in comparison with Apple, Google, and Amazon, “fortunately has not suffered high profile embarrassment” by its voice assistant Cortana.
Motherboard, part of the media outlet Vice, reported that Microsoft contractors, some of them working from home, have been listening to some Skype calls using the app’s instant translation feature, as well as users’ interactions with the Cortana.
Motherboard has acquired audio clips, screenshots as well as internal documents to show that Microsoft, just as its peers, have been employing humans to constantly improve the software algorithm and the quality and accuracy of the translations and responses.
Also similar to the other leading tech companies that run voice assistants, Microsoft is ambiguous in its consumer communication, lax in its policy implementation, and does not give the users a way to opt out.
“The fact that I can even share some of this with you shows how lax things are in terms of protecting user data,” the Microsoft contractor turned whistle-blower, who supplied the evidence and decided to remain anonymous, told Motherboard.
It works just like Siri and helps in searching your computer, sending emails, setting reminders, etc.
With a single toggle you could turn off Cortana but no longer this is the case.
However, if you use Windows 10 Professional or Enterprise, you’ll need to make changes to Group Policy Editor.
For this, you can use RegClean Pro.
Also, make sure you have created a System Restore point as it will help to get back the system if anything goes wrong.
Now, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Search.
No, I don't mean the terms and conditions...
Microsoft emitted an update to next year's Windows 10, aka 20H1, last night, with some tweaked networking and the spreading of the creepier-than-you-might-have-realised Cortana to more Insiders.
Build 18956 is very much a steady-as-she-goes affair for Fast Ring Insiders as Microsoft continues to recover from the accidental blurting of the OS to all rings of the Windows Insider program, regardless of the desires of its unpaid army of amateur testers.
A user can then drop into the network to see what is actually using that precious data and slap on limits accordingly (although only on a network basis at present.)
As if to underline the inconsequentiality of the thing, Microsoft suggests wheezes such as asking it the weather, or requesting a joke.
The underlying assistant technology will, of course, find its way into Office.
With the advancement of new technology, every industry is adopting new trends to provide better experiences to users, then the retail industry is not an exception.Digital Transformation has modified the shopping, online experiences, and also the customer expectations from offline stores.
Moreover, the pandemic has changed who the entire retail industry functions.Now users want things instantly and don’t want to waste their time.
Considering this, various retailers across the globe are looking for new trends to provide better services to customers.
Based on their demand, we have done the hard work and singled out some wonderful technology trends for the retail industry.IoT Services IoT is the next big thing that is going to happen in the retail industry.
IoT enables you to handle some home appliances like the air-conditioner, televisions, room heater, lights, fans, etc via an app.If your retail online site/app sells white goods, then you should explore the possibility of offering your customers a better shopping experience by integrating IoT services in your mobile app itself to control various household appliances through their sensors.Voice CommerceWith the launch of virtual assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home Assistant, Microsoft Cortana, etc.
we can utilize our voice, and these apps decrypt our voice and offer instant results.
It offers the response to all inquiries as well as aides in looking through them on the web.
The Alexa application has increased in popularity in the past few years and now people all around the world are using Alexa for enjoying the smart life experience.
If you also want to download the latest version of Alexa app, this guide can help you.
A normal user uses the Alexa services to perform their day to day tasks like controlling the smart home devices at home, order food, or book a taxi, and a lot more.
Although, you can always change the wake word whenever you want something different, for example, Amazon, Echo, or the Computer.Features Supported By Alexa App You can play your favorite on Spotify.
Play the radio on Spotify.
If you use Xbox, PC, or other Microsoft devices, then commanding Cortana can be better to make things done when you are quite busy.
Motherboard identifies that the service provider of Microsoft listens to the Cortana recordings giving commands often from PC or browsers with small protection.
Recordings are transfers in the safe facilities by Microsoft.
However, transcribing is in place that means someone still listening to everything that you command to the assistant.
If you select not to log in to the Cortana, you may also talk to Cortana and locate the web and files and emails saved in Microsoft services, including Outlook and OneDrive and the Windows device.
Go through the blog and follow the instructions to remove Cortana recordings and protect privacy.
An increasing number of organizations started using chatbots to service both customers and employees, reducing costs and easing the load off support agents by providing a self-service route to answer queries.Organizations like Services Australia saw a 600 percent surge in the use of its Microsoft Cortana-powered digital assistants amid the pandemic.Hence in 2020, chatbots played a major role in the fight against the pandemic by servicing customers and supporting remote employees and will continue to do so in the next year as well.Let’s learn about the top 9 trends that will define the world of chatbots in 2021.Learn more here: https://botcore.ai/blog/chatbot-trends-2021/
