Dylan Page has discussed three new AI features Apple introduced for the Series 12 watch, arguing these developments have been overshadowed by hype surrounding foldable devices.
The first feature, sound recognition, uses AI to listen for specific sounds, such as sirens, alarms, doorbells and crying babies, notifying the user whenever one is detected.
A 15-second rewind with a catch
The second feature, Live Rewind, allows users to transcribe the previous 15 seconds of audio.
Apple suggests this could help users remember details such as a waiter's instructions, though Page expressed concern that it functions like "wearing a wire," potentially capturing incriminating or inappropriate statements without the other party's awareness.
Passive listening all day long
The third feature, Siri recap, uses what Apple calls "ambient listening" to passively and continuously capture and interpret natural conversations throughout the day.
Through Siri recap, users can review notes, summaries and key points from their daily conversations inside the Siri app.
Apple's control settings, and Page's doubts
Apple states that users can control when Siri recap takes notes, including setting schedules such as "only at work" or "never at night."
Page questioned whether that level of control genuinely amounts to a true opt-out feature, rather than simply narrowing when the listening happens.
The privacy claims underpinning it all
To address privacy concerns, Apple claims that audio files are neither created nor stored, and cannot be accessed by the company itself.
Apple also asserts that all live transcriptions within the Siri app are end-to-end encrypted, meaning only the user's own devices can read the content.
A reasonable dose of scepticism
Page concluded that despite Apple's privacy claims, it is reasonable for users to have trust issues given past experiences with technology companies more broadly.
He asked his audience directly whether they view "audio intelligence" as a problematic development, leaving the question open rather than delivering a firm verdict of his own on whether Apple's assurances are enough to offset the discomfort of an always-listening watch.
