Did you know that placing Alexa in certain places in your home can put your privacy, security, and even your health at risk? Today we will tell you which are the worst sites to place Amazon’s virtual assistant and why you should avoid them.
It’s usually important to place Alexa in a specific location to improve voice detection quality and audio quality. By placing it in a central and accessible location in a room, the microphones can detect the user’s voice more accurately and sound can be distributed evenly throughout the room.
It’s also important to avoid placing Alexa near objects that might interfere with its ability to detect your voice, such as walls or sources of noise. In addition, it is important to take into account the privacy of certain places, such as the bedroom or the bathroom.
Avoid putting it next to the TV
Virtual assistants, like the Amazon Echo, are always listening for certain keywords, like “Alexa,” which trigger them to start recording the user’s voice commands. Also, these devices automatically store all voice recordings unless actively deleted by the user.
Since many TV commercials use keywords like “Alexa, play…”, it is recommended to keep the device away from the TV to prevent accidental recording of private conversations and to prevent unintentional and irritating activation of the device.
Get her out of the bathroom
An analysis of the microbes found on the smartphones has revealed that all the screens contain fecal streptococci, a bacterium present in feces. These microorganisms can spread through the air after flushing, reaching a distance of up to 1.5 meters within 8 seconds.
Leaving the lid closed increases the chance of bacteria landing on your phone or smart speaker if they are nearby. Therefore, for hygiene reasons, it is advisable to keep the devices out of the bathroom or away from the toilet. If you need to have the music in the shower, it is advisable to place the device in a high position on the wall and keep it away from the bathtub and sink to avoid contact with water.
Don’t put it near the sink
Placing any electrical appliance near water is dangerous, but there’s another reason why you shouldn’t put your Alexa next to the sink. The noise of running water can interfere with voice commands, making it difficult to use.
However, having an Amazon Echo in the kitchen can be useful, as it can let you know when the washing machine is ready if it can hear a beep. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the device in a safe and clean place, away from the sink, to avoid possible damage and protect the vocal cords.
avoid windows
Having an Amazon Echo or other valuable device near a window can be dangerous, as it can draw the attention of thieves and cause them to try to steal it or even break into your home. If a criminal manages to gain access to the voice assistant, they can also control other devices connected to it, such as your car or door lock.
Therefore, it is recommended to keep the devices in a place that is not visible from the outside of your home, to protect the safety of your belongings and the privacy of your home.
Don’t use it in the room
In 2019, it was discovered that some Amazon workers were listening to private conversations through Amazon Echo devices to verify the operation of the devices, which led to the capture of private moments, such as a woman singing in the shower and reading of bank details.
For this reason, it is recommended to keep the devices in public areas rather than private ones like the bedroom or bathroom. The Amazon Echo device’s technology is activated by a keyword, but continues recording for a short time afterward.
Nooks and shelves: the best place
While it’s important to keep Alexa in a safe place and out of the reach of prying eyes, it’s also important to consider its functionality. Experts suggest that some of the best places to put your Amazon Echo or other smart speaker are in a corner of the living room, away from windows, or on the kitchen counter, away from the sink.
If you want a clear view of the device, a mantel or bookcase is an ideal place to put it, especially if you can easily see when it turns on to indicate it’s recording. Additionally, mounting it securely on a wall that doesn’t face a window can also be beneficial in keeping it safe, clean, and visible while keeping out background noise.
