I just did a little research on this and found out google ADMITS they listen to the sounds in your room through this thing. They claim they use it to determine your marketing preferences, for instance, if someone is talking about chicken in the room, you will get ads for chicken on google ads.

Just do a search for 'google microphone listening' and you will be shocked.

Google Search for keywords google microphone listening (http://www.google.com/#sclient=psy&hl=en&source=hp&q=google+microphone+listening&pbx=1&oq=google+microphone+listening&aq=f&aqi=g1&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=1725l4524l0l4633l27l14l0l13l13l0l338l1472l1.4.2.1l8l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=4f03a98ea06e06c3&biw=948&bih=446)

http://webification.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/screenshot_voicesearchspeak2_610x285.jpg

If that's true you would need to have a microphone in order for them to hear anything. A webcam if you think they're going to look at you. I have neither.

My laptop has both though and a red light comes on and tells me they are on. I keep them disabled.

Hope you don't mind, but I am going to copy your post to the UK section as well. There are some UK tinfoil hat wearers that will be kept happy for hours mulling over this.

If true, it's a scary concept. As if Google don't already know enough about us.

I just did a little research on this and found out google ADMITS they listen to the sounds in your room through this thing. They claim they use it to determine your marketing preferences, for instance, if someone is talking about chicken in the room, you will get ads for chicken on google ads.

Just do a search for 'google microphone listening' and you will be shocked.

Google reads your email

.. yea, Google collects your IP address, your Street View, your WiFi SSID and location, stores your search history, etc.. should we be surprised Google could listen in (or watch you) also?

Seems like Google Voice Search (http://www.ghacks.net/2011/06/15/google-rolling-out-voice-search/) is only available to Google Chrome users with IP addresses that appear to be in the USA.

Scroogle is your friend!

http://www.scroogle.org/cgi-bin/scraper.htm

How would you know if there is a secret built in mic on your computer?

http://www.google-watch.org/

How would you know if there is a secret built in mic on your computer?

If that's directed at me, I know because I build my own computers.

If that's directed at me, I know because I build my own computers.

Is there anyway to tell if the manufacturer installed one? I'm serious.

Is there anyway to tell if the manufacturer installed one? I'm serious.

If it's a newer desktop the camera and microphone will usually be embedded within the display. You can't really miss it.

Most all laptops now have microphones and a webcam embedded at the top of the display when opening the lid.

You can take the cover off of a desktop and look around the case and motherboard. Most motherboards have a small speaker on them for system beep errors. Not sure whether that speaker could be used as a microphone.

Here's what a motherboard speaker looks like:

http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/space143/2011-07-02_204843_foxconn_speaker.jpg

I think the speak to do a search option is for the visually impaired. Not sure there is any nefarious intent behind Google's allowing searches via speech. Also not sure it couldn't be abused.