You may be using several products capable of ambient computing as its use is expanding, especially in devices around the home. For example, the Ring doorbell incorporates a virtual A.I. assistant and Amazon Alexa can be set up to answer the door for you, even asking the guest multiple questions. So, upon pushing the doorbell, a visitor will be greeted: “Hi, this is Alexa. May I know the purpose of your visit”? Depending on the human response, it will make autonomous decisions. If the person at the door explains they are delivering a package, for instance, Alexa will ask whether a signature is required and then provide instructions on where to leave the items. This advanced video door chime is capable of even more functions you probably never knew the Ring doorbell could do.
Other devices like the Echo Show 10, which features both a voice-controlled speaker and a display screen, demonstrate ambient computing. The Echo’s screen senses where you are in the room and automatically moves to face you while listening to the environment for voice commands. Products with learning ability, such as a thermostat that understands your preferred temperature or can sense when you’re not home and shut off, use ambient computing. If this makes you a bit uncomfortable, there are ways to tell if your Amazon Echo is spying on you and what you can do about it.
