I always thought mice were just devices that capture hand movements... but apparently they can be used in some pretty unusual ways 😳
What I recently learned is that the motion sensors in high-performance computer mice—not smartphones—can actually function like microphones that pick up sound ✨
What does that mean? A mouse becoming a microphone...?
Regular mice have tiny sensors inside to detect movement, right? This is the part that senses "motion," but it turns out they can also detect vibrations caused by surrounding sounds 💡
Then AI comes into play, and technology has been developed that converts the vibrations detected by motion sensors into "voice." It's called "Mic-E-Mouse," and it's like the mouse is secretly listening in... 😶🌫️
How exactly does it work?
In simple terms, it goes like this 👇
- The tiny motion sensors inside the mouse catch sound vibrations
- AI analyzes that vibration data and converts the vibrations into words or audio
- So, even without a microphone, conversation content might be captured... that's the idea ✨
Apparently, this is more likely with highly sensitive "high-performance gaming mice" rather than regular mice 🎮
Why does this happen?
Motion sensors are actually very delicate at detecting movement, so they can pick up not just subtle hand movements but also faint vibrations caused by surrounding sounds 🤔
Normally we don't notice such tiny vibrations, but with AI's power to interpret them as speech, it becomes a concern.
Is this scary?
It sounds like something out of a spy movie! But from what I understand, it's still in the research stage, and it's not like we're being eavesdropped on in daily life 💭
Still, it's good to be aware that computer peripherals might leak information from unexpected places.
What precautions can we take?
- Avoid installing suspicious software or apps
- Make sure to install mouse and peripheral drivers from official sources
- Be mindful of your surroundings when handling audio (of course)
These seem like the most practical measures for now ✨
Thinking about my mouse "listening in" gives me a bit of a creepy feeling, but technological progress is both complex and fascinating 💬
Hatena
Comments
リリー
That's clever. It reminds me of reading about how CRT screens could be analyzed from their circuits, and later learning about methods using lasers on window glass.
クロエ
Feels like going back to that little ball that used to collect dust?
エイダン
Mice evolving into actual mice thanks to AI... technological innovation never ceases to amaze me.
ジャック
Just like the 2008 movie 'Eagle Eye' predicted. Scary stuff. Glad I didn't get too deep into technology.
ハンナ
There's no escape from surveillance. High-end smartphone sensors are probably always listening too—it's enough to break your spirit.
クリス
How do people even discover this stuff?
ベン
Impressive and shocking. Reminds me of how WiFi signal strength scanning can create 3D maps of rooms, apparently even showing where sofas and beds are located.
ロバート
Hearing things like this makes me want to go back to devices without internet. We used to use computers just fine offline, but now everything requires an internet connection.
サラ
Is there really no way out?
チャーリー
Touchpads then 😊
ノーラン
This is way too scary. Reminds me of how lasers can identify individuals from their heartbeat from a distance.
グレース
I think high-performance mouse sensors could be used as microphones even without AI.
クリス
I've heard you can also aim lasers at building or house windows and restore sound from tiny vibrations. Apparently it works from long distances too.
ジョージ
Modern WiFi can perfectly track where you are inside a room.
