Facebook's iOS app now listens for identifiable TV & music when posting status updates
Facebook on Wednesday launched a new, optional feature that allows its iPhone application to use the device's microphone to listen for and identify television and music content when posting a status update.
The new feature will make it easier for users to say that they are watching a particular show or listening to a certain song, then share that information with their friends. Upon updating the Facebook app, users are presented with an explanation as to how the feature works, and are given the option to turn it on.
To utilize the new listening option, users can begin to create a status update, then click the "mood" icon. The app will then begin listening to identify any content playing, and users can then select the song or TV show to quickly share it with their friend.
If a user decides to turn off the feature, they can do so by tapping the audio icon at the top right of the screen. But if the functionality is left on, the audio icon will move and attempt to detect a match when a user is writing their status update.
Facebook says that none of the sound data is saved, and users are given the choice whether to share with their friends once content is identified.
The update will also allow friends to hear a 30-second preview of a song once it has been posted to Facebook, while television matches will detail the specific season and episode being viewed.
Such capabilities have been present in iOS applications for years, but Wednesday's update marks the first time that Facebook has entered the fray. One of the most well known sound identification applications is Shazam, which Apple is rumored to be partnering with for a new Siri "Song ID" feature in iOS 8.
The new feature will make it easier for users to say that they are watching a particular show or listening to a certain song, then share that information with their friends. Upon updating the Facebook app, users are presented with an explanation as to how the feature works, and are given the option to turn it on.
To utilize the new listening option, users can begin to create a status update, then click the "mood" icon. The app will then begin listening to identify any content playing, and users can then select the song or TV show to quickly share it with their friend.
If a user decides to turn off the feature, they can do so by tapping the audio icon at the top right of the screen. But if the functionality is left on, the audio icon will move and attempt to detect a match when a user is writing their status update.
Facebook says that none of the sound data is saved, and users are given the choice whether to share with their friends once content is identified.
The update will also allow friends to hear a 30-second preview of a song once it has been posted to Facebook, while television matches will detail the specific season and episode being viewed.
Such capabilities have been present in iOS applications for years, but Wednesday's update marks the first time that Facebook has entered the fray. One of the most well known sound identification applications is Shazam, which Apple is rumored to be partnering with for a new Siri "Song ID" feature in iOS 8.
Comments
But most people who use Facebook probably won't care. People are frequently post every trivial aspect of their lives and don't mind tell us where they are at any given moment aren't going to care if Facebook reports what TV show they're watching.
Creepy.
This is creepy
how about making it easy for me to view my feed chronologically ("Most Recent"), ala a preference? you know, a feature people actually want?
In other words, even if you opt-out, FB will evesdrop. And who knows what they'll use the data for. The only option they are giving you is whether to post the info on your page. This is TRULY evil. You would almost think Google had bought FB.
Furthermore, with the app running in the background on your iOS device, FB will be CONTINUOUSLY monitoring your microphone (and camera, soon, no doubt). During your daily activites. During your private conversations. During your sleep-walking. During your intimate activities.
Facebook
Google
Both making news today.
how about making it easy for me to view my feed chronologically ("Most Recent"), ala a preference? you know, a feature people actually want?
Exactly, the feed sucks so bad. Everyone says this. Also, updates that show up until you go into an item? They cannot mange real time updates.
In other words, even if you opt-out, FB will evesdrop. And who knows what they'll use the data for. The only option they are giving you is whether to post the info on your page. This is TRULY evil. You would almost think Google had bought FB.
Furthermore, with the app running in the background on your iOS device, FB will be CONTINUOUSLY monitoring your microphone (and camera, soon, no doubt). During your daily activites. During your private conversations. During your sleep-walking. During your intimate activities.
I thought you had to allow the application to use your mic in iOS. I have had more than one program have to ask with a system dialog. The camera and mic are protected resources like your contacts.
i still can't get over the fact that people think their lives are so important that they feel the need to share everything.
How long until this app and others listen in without your permission? (Samsung "smart" TVs already do it.)
i still can't get over the fact that people think their lives are so important that they feel the need to share everything.
No, I think it's rather the reverse. My life is so important that it's worth protecting my privacy.
Of course it will be used to collect marketing data. That ALL Facebook is FOR!
Most of you on here are ignorant.... you have to OPT-IN... meaning if you don't want the feature... just ignore it...
How easy can it be?
It's not an "invasion of your privacy".... it's an option for those who want iOS to auto-detect what they are listening to instead of manually searching for it. A majority of the time I don't put what i'm listening to because I don't want to do the manual search. This would definitely make it easier.
However, your ignorance and stupid argument of invasion of privacy proves that a majority of consumer do not know how to use the products they purchase.
#ignoranceisnotbliss #endsoapbox
Most of you on here are ignorant.... you have to OPT-IN... meaning if you don't want the feature... just ignore it...
Yeah because it's not like Facebook would ever change their privacy policy or create apps that don't breach that policy...
Facebook Privacy Policy Changes 2005-2010
https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2010/04/facebook-timeline
Facebook Apps Breach Privacy Policy
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2010/10/18/facebook-apps-breach-privacy-policy/
Creepy looks at this and says, “Whoa! Not me, man; I have standards.”
[Watching political commentary]