This Jammer Wants to Block Always-Listening AI Wearables. It Probably Won’t Work (www.wired.com)

Deveillance, a new startup, has unveiled the Spectre I, a portable microphone jammer designed to block nearby devices from capturing conversations. Featuring ultrasonic frequency emitters and AI capabilities, the gadget not only attempts to disrupt audio recording but also claims to detect nearby microphones. Set to release in 2026 for $1,199, the device has generated significant hype as a potential cybersecurity solution amid growing concerns over privacy violations by always-listening AI wearables. However, its efficacy is drawn into question as skeptics highlight potential physical and technical constraints. The Spectre I aims to enhance personal privacy by leveraging AI-generated cancellation signals that muddle recorded audio, rather than simply overriding it with noise. While Deveillance touts the jammer’s ability to identify microphones through radio frequency detection, critics caution that such claims may overpromise what is technically feasible. Despite its current limitations, the announcement has sparked discussions around the urgent need for privacy-preserving technology in an era of heightened surveillance, with experts advocating for developments that respect user consent and privacy.