Roger Linn is a legend in the world of musical instruments. He’s been at the cutting edge of music technology for decades. He created the LM-1, the first drum machine to use samples, and its successor, the LinnDrum, is one of the most iconic drum machines of all time. They were used on countless records in the 1980s, including hits by Tom Petty, Queen, and Tears for Fears. But the most notable fan was probably Prince, who used them extensively on Purple Rain and 1999.
Technology
Smart glasses detector app warns if you’re being recorded
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Smart glasses are built to blend in. Most of the time, they look just like a normal pair of glasses. The difference is that some models can quietly take photos or record video without anyone nearby realizing it.
As these wearable cameras start showing up in everyday places, more people are wondering when they might be on camera. That concern helped inspire a new Android app called Nearby Glasses, which lets you check whether smart glasses may be nearby.
The idea behind the app is simple. If a nearby device is broadcasting a Bluetooth signal linked to smart glasses, the app tries to detect it. For people worried about hidden cameras in public spaces, even a small warning could help them stay more aware of their surroundings.
META SMART GLASSES PRIVACY CONCERNS GROW
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.
Mark Zuckerberg sported a pair of Meta Ray-Ban Display AI glasses while speaking at the Meta Connect event in Menlo Park, California, on Sept. 17, 2025. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Why smart glasses are raising privacy concerns
Smart glasses are designed to blend in. Unlike a phone or camera, they often look identical to regular eyewear. That means someone could be filming without anyone around them realizing it.
Modern versions of these devices can capture photos, record video and even livestream. Some models also connect to AI tools that can analyze what the wearer sees. Privacy advocates say the biggest problem is visibility. When someone pulls out a phone to record, people usually notice.
With smart glasses, the camera may be hidden in plain sight. As a result, conversations about consent and privacy are becoming more urgent as wearable cameras spread.
How the nearby glasses app works
Nearby Glasses works by scanning for Bluetooth signals that devices broadcast to connect with phones and other hardware. Each manufacturer uses unique Bluetooth identifiers. The app listens for those signals and compares them to known identifiers from companies that produce wearable devices. If the app detects one of those signals, it alerts the user.
Here is how the process works:
- The app scans nearby Bluetooth devices in real time
- It checks each signal against known manufacturer identifiers
- If a match appears, the user receives an alert
The app currently focuses on devices made by companies such as Meta and Snap. Users can also add additional Bluetooth identifiers to expand what the app detects. That allows the tool to flag more types of wearable tech. To keep scanning continuously, users must enable a foreground service in the app and press Start Scanning. A debug log then displays the scanning activity while the app runs.
Why the developer created the app
The app was developed by software creator Yves Jeanrenaud, who says he built it after seeing how wearable cameras were being used. On the project page, Jeanrenaud described smart glasses as a major privacy concern. He believes the devices could open the door to more recording without consent.
He also pointed to reports about smart glasses appearing in sensitive situations. Those examples include cases where wearable cameras were allegedly used during immigration enforcement or in situations where people were filmed without permission.
According to Jeanrenaud, the app represents what he calls a form of technological resistance. In other words, using technology to push back against technology. Still, even he admits it may only address part of the problem.
As smart glasses become more common in public places, tools like the Nearby Glasses app aim to help people stay aware of possible hidden recording devices. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
The app is helpful but not perfect
Like any detection tool, Nearby Glasses has limitations. Bluetooth signals do not always reveal exactly what device is nearby. For example, a device made by the same manufacturer could trigger an alert. That means a headset or other gadget might appear as a possible pair of smart glasses.
False positives are possible. However, those alerts still give users more awareness of nearby devices that could be capturing data. Right now, the app is available only for Android. The developer has said an iPhone version could happen in the future, depending on time and demand.
Ways to stay safe around smart glasses
Smart glasses are becoming more common. While tools like Nearby Glasses can help, awareness is still the best defense. Here are several ways to protect your privacy.
Pay attention to visible camera indicators
Some smart glasses include small LED lights that turn on while recording. If you notice a light on someone’s frames, they may be filming.
Speak up if you feel uncomfortable
If you suspect someone is recording you in a private setting, you can ask them directly. Many people stop when confronted.
Avoid sensitive conversations in crowded areas
Wearable cameras thrive in public environments where people are distracted. Avoid discussing personal information in places where recording could occur.
Disable Bluetooth visibility on your own devices
Limiting the signals your devices broadcast can reduce how easily others track or scan your hardware.
WORLD’S THINNEST AI GLASSES FEATURE BUILT-IN AI ASSISTANT
Stay informed about wearable tech
Smart glasses are evolving quickly. Learning how they work helps you recognize when someone might be using one nearby.
Mark Zuckerberg wears the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses while speaking at the company’s headquarters in Menlo Park, California, on Sept. 17, 2025. (Reuters/Carlos Barria)
Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?
Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Smart glasses represent a strange moment in the evolution of technology. On one hand, they promise convenience. People can capture moments hands-free or access digital information instantly. On the other hand, they blur the line between everyday life and constant surveillance. Apps like Nearby Glasses show that some people are already pushing back. They want tools that reveal when hidden cameras might be nearby. However, technology alone will not settle the debate. The real question is how society decides to balance innovation with basic expectations of privacy.
And that leads to a bigger question. If cameras can hide in ordinary glasses, should people be required to reveal when they are recording you? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.
Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Somehow, those are not his greatest contributions to the music world. That would, undoubtedly, be the MPC. Linn partnered with Akai to create one of the most popular and important samplers ever. The MPC60 and its successors became the tool of choice for countless hip-hop and house producers. J Dilla’s MPC 3000 even sits in the Smithsonian.
Roger Linn was also an early adopter of MPE, or MIDI polyphonic expression. It’s a key feature of his LinnStrument, an expressive 3D controller released in 2014 — three years before the Association of Musical Electronics Industry (AMEI) officially released the MPE standard. Turns out the man stays so innovative by keeping things simple and focused.
What is your most indispensable tool?
My MacBook Pro.
Which is the most underappreciated?
My Vision Pro. I called it the most amazing product I rarely use.
What is the first app you install on a new phone or computer?
On a computer, Rhino3D.
What is one thing you wish you could change about your phone?
Apple Mail’s bugs.
What sites do you have pinned to your tab bar?
New York Times.
How many tabs do you have open right now?
One. This document.
Which social media platform do you use the most (if any)?
I don’t use social media except to announce my monthly “All Things LinnStrument” email newsletter.
What is your happy place online?
A VR app for the Meta Quest called Walkabout Mini Golf. It was a large number of artistically created open VR worlds that offer a surprising level of beauty from the Quest 3’s limited power. I go there to play a game of mini golf, fly around, or meet friends in a private instance of a particular world.
What is your favorite gadget you’ve ever owned?
I don’t know about “ever”, but these days it’s VR headsets, currently the Meta Quest 3 or Apple Vision Pro.
Which was the most disappointing?
In general, I’m disappointed by products that are designed by engineers who assume their customers are engineers.
What game do you have the fondest memories of?
Myst.
Which tech trend do you wish would go away?
Spam.
What creation are you most proud of?
LinnStrument.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Keep it simple.
What is your current obsession?
VR.
What do you do when you need to focus?
Breathe. Calm down.
What do you do when you’re feeling stuck?
I try to shift my perspective.
When was the last time you went somewhere without your phone?
I never go anywhere without my phone. Maybe swimming.
What’s the last piece of physical media you bought?
That would be a long time ago. I’ve only bought books, music, films, etc. in digital form for a long time.
What do you think is worth splurging on?
If someone made a VR headset with retina resolution, very high power, lots of beautiful open worlds, but it was expensive, I’d probably buy it.
What would the tagline for your biopic be?
“He created tools that allowed musicians to make better music.”
What’s the last GIF or meme you used?
This isn’t a GIF, but maybe it’s a meme:
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
A robot mower sounds like the kind of yard tool that should make life easier. It cuts the grass, saves you time and quietly handles a chore most people would rather avoid.
But a new independent security report raises a bigger concern about what may be happening behind the scenes. Security researcher Andreas Makris says Yarbo robots, which include autonomous lawn mowers and snow blowers, contained serious flaws that could expose owners to remote access, live camera viewing and Wi-Fi credential theft. The report says roughly 6,000 robots are currently affected.
Yarbo has since responded through its Security Center, saying the core technical findings are accurate and that it has started rolling out security fixes. Still, the report raises important questions about how much access smart yard devices should have inside your home network.
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
- Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
- For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
- Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
SMART HOME HACKING FEARS: WHAT’S REAL AND WHAT’S HYPE
A robot mower connected to home Wi-Fi can create security risks if remote access controls are weak or unclear. (Yarbo)
Yarbo robot security risk: What the report claims
Makris says Yarbo robots ship with a persistent remote access setup that uses a tunnel to reach the robot over the internet. According to the report, the robots also include a hardcoded root password shared across the fleet and a remote connection method tied to the robot’s serial number. That is important because “root” access gives someone deep control over the device. In simple terms, it can mean administrator-level access to the system inside the robot. The report also says the remote tunnel runs automatically, can restart itself if stopped and may return if removed. That raises a major concern for owners because they may not have a simple switch in the app to shut it off.
Why a robot mower could put your home network at risk
Smart devices often need internet access to work. App controls, software updates, diagnostics and support all depend on that connection. However, Makris claims Yarbo’s setup creates a much riskier situation. He says remote access appears to be built into every robot, rather than turned on only when an owner asks for help. The report says an attacker with the right information could potentially reach a robot remotely, access internal functions and use it as a foothold on the owner’s network. So while a robot mower may seem harmless as it cuts grass, rolls through the yard or parks near the garage, that same machine can also connect to your Wi-Fi, carry cameras and sit close to your home every day.
5 WORRISOME PRIVACY CLAUSES HIDDEN IN SMART HOME DEVICES
The Yarbo report raises concerns about remote access, live camera feeds and saved Wi-Fi credentials on connected yard robots. (Yarbo)
Yarbo camera access concerns for homeowners
According to the report, Yarbo robots can have multiple camera feeds. Makris says that if someone gained root access through the remote tunnel, they could potentially view the robot’s surroundings remotely. That could include a driveway, backyard, entryway, garage area or outdoor space where your family spends time. For homeowners, this concern goes beyond a glitch. A camera-equipped device outside your home deserves the same scrutiny as a camera inside your home.
How saved Wi-Fi passwords could be exposed
The report also says an attacker with root access could retrieve saved Wi-Fi credentials from the robot’s system. That would be a serious issue because many homes use one main Wi-Fi network for phones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, security devices and more. Once someone has your Wi-Fi password, the risk can spread. They may try to reach other connected devices or look for weak spots that were never meant to face the internet. This is why connected outdoor equipment should never get a free pass. A lawn robot may be housed outside or in the garage, but its network access can reach inside.
What Yarbo says now
After Makris published his report, Yarbo posted a response to its Security Center page on its website. The company said the report identified serious vulnerabilities in its remote diagnostic, credential management and data-handling systems. Yarbo co-founder Kenneth Kohlmann also said the “core technical findings are accurate” and acknowledged that the company’s initial response did not reflect the seriousness of the issues.
Yarbo says the problems primarily involved historical design choices in parts of its remote diagnostic, access management and data-handling systems. The company also said some legacy support tools did not give users enough visibility or control. Yarbo said some authentication and credential systems did not meet its current security expectations.
A NEW SECURITY SEAL OF APPROVAL IS COMING TO YOUR SMART HOME GADGETS
Security experts recommend keeping smart yard devices on a guest network instead of your main home Wi-Fi. (Yarbo)
What Yarbo says it has fixed
Yarbo says it has taken several remediation steps since the report was published. According to the company, it has retired historical fleet-level root credentials, revoked shared FRP remote-access credentials and disabled related FRP server-side connection paths.
The company also says updated versions of the Yarbo mobile app no longer contain static credentials or embedded access mechanisms capable of directly authenticating against backend services. Yarbo says it has removed reporting scripts, legacy dependencies and non-essential network configurations that no longer served a necessary product function.
However, Yarbo says more work remains. The company says it is rebuilding its credential management system so any remaining shared-credential models can be replaced with individually scoped, per-device credentials. Each credential would support independent rotation and revocation.
Why Yarbo data connections raise privacy questions
The report also points to connections involving Hanyangtech, Yarbo’s Shenzhen-based parent company, along with ByteDance Feishu, Tencent TDMQ and Chinese DNS resolvers. Makris says some robot telemetry can be sent to ByteDance’s Feishu platform and that certain infrastructure choices are built into the firmware.
Yarbo now says it has removed reporting scripts, legacy dependencies and non-essential network configurations that no longer served a necessary operational or product function. The company also says historical servers and legacy access channels will continue to be phased out as part of its remediation work.
The core issue is transparency. Owners should know where their devices send data, which companies can access it and whether those connections are essential for normal use. That level of clarity matters even more for devices with cameras, location data and access to home networks.
What this means for you
If you own a Yarbo robot, this report means you should treat it like any other connected device with cameras, location data and access to your home Wi-Fi. Yarbo says it is pushing security updates automatically to connected devices. That means owners should connect their Yarbo long enough to receive the latest security update. After that, consider moving it back to a guest network or an isolated smart-device network.
CyberGuy reached out to Yarbo, and a representative said the company encouraged readers to refer to the Security Center at yarbo.com/pages/yarbo-security-center for the latest verified information and ongoing updates.
How Yarbo owners can reduce the risk
You may not be able to control everything happening inside the robot, but you can take a few practical steps to limit what it can reach on your home network.
1) Put the robot on a guest network
Do not keep your robot mower on the same network as your laptop, phone or security cameras. Use a guest network or a separate smart-device network if your router supports it.
2) Change your main Wi-Fi password if you are concerned
If your robot has connected to your main Wi-Fi and you are worried about exposure, change the Wi-Fi password. Use a strong, unique password and store it in a trusted password manager so you do not have to reuse or remember it. Then reconnect only trusted devices. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com
3) Check your router for unknown devices
Open your router app or admin page and review connected devices. Look for anything unfamiliar. Remove devices you do not recognize.
4) Limit what the robot can access
Some routers let you isolate guest devices. Turn that on when available. This can keep the robot from seeing other devices on your network.
5) Ask Yarbo for specific answers
Owners should ask what remote diagnostic access remains, whether credentials are now unique per robot and whether the company will provide a true off switch for remote diagnostics.
6) Keep the robot updated, but stay cautious
Yarbo says security updates are delivered automatically once devices connect to the internet. Connect the robot through a guest network or an isolated smart-device network so it can receive the latest update without giving it access to your main devices.
Join CyberGuy Live: Lock Down Your Phone in 30 Minutes (Saturday, June 13, 10 am ET)
Your phone holds your email, passwords, photos, banking apps and personal data. In this free, live online class, Kurt the CyberGuy will walk you step by step through simple phone security fixes you can do in real time. You’ll learn how to improve your privacy settings, spot the latest phone scams, use trusted security tools and walk away with a simple checklist to stay protected. Register here: CyberGuyLive.com
Kurt’s key takeaways
The Yarbo report is a reminder that convenience can come with hidden access. A robot mower may seem like a helpful yard tool, but under the hood, it can act like a connected computer with cameras, location data and a path into your network. The biggest concern is control. Owners need to know who can reach their devices, when remote access turns on and whether they can shut it off. A company should not expect you to trust a black box sitting on your Wi-Fi. If you own one of these robots, isolate it from your main network and push Yarbo for clear answers. If you are shopping for any smart yard device, ask about security before you ask about battery life.
Would you let a smart yard robot onto your Wi-Fi if the company could not clearly explain who can access it and when? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
- Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
- For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
- Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Google’s AI Overviews are running into an interesting problem right now. Earlier on Friday, if you searched for the term “disregard,” the AI Overview section would include a response like what you’d see from a more traditional AI chatbot instead of the typical AI summary, as spotted on X. As you can see in the image at the top of this story, I got an AI Overview response that said, “Got it. If you need anything else or have a new question later, just let me know!”
As of Friday afternoon, however, Google isn’t showing an AI Overview for the term “disregard” at all — instead, it shows a list of news stories about the issue first. Google hasn’t replied to our requests for comment. In a statement to Android Authority, a spokesperson said that “We’re aware that AI Overviews are misinterpreting some action-related queries, and we’re working on a fix, which will roll out soon.”
AI Overviews haven’t just been tripping up over the word “disregard.” When searching for “ignore,” Google’s AI Overview section showed the following message to a Verge colleague:
Message received! I’m here and ready to help. What would you like to focus on today? Just let me know if there’s a specific topic, task, or question you’d like to explore.
When they searched “skip,” the AI Overview section said:
It looks like your message was just a test or a typo! Feel free to ask a question, share a prompt, or let me know how I can help you with your tasks today. I’m ready whenever you are!
As of Friday afternoon, Google is still showing me AI Overviews with broken responses when I search for “ignore” and “skip.”
As funny as this all is, it’s almost certainly just some kind of bug — I expect Google will fix it soon enough. Maybe Google Search itself is tired after everything that happened at Google I/O.
Updates, May 22nd: Google now isn’t showing AI Overviews for “disregard.” Also added a Google statement.
-
New York1 hour agoBrooklyn Man Wedged in Upstate New York Cave Is Rescued After 6 Hours
-
Los Angeles, Ca1 hour agoGrandmother hospitalized after hit-and-run slams into her in San Fernando
-
Detroit, MI2 hours ago3 injured in separate weekend shootings in Detroit, police say
-
San Francisco, CA2 hours agoThe Store Cats of San Francisco
-
Dallas, TX2 hours agoFC Dallas vs Colorado Rapids: Lineup notes 📝
-
Miami, FL2 hours agoDeputies investigating shooting in NW Miami-Dade that left a man in critical condition – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale
-
Boston, MA2 hours agoMan killed after MBTA commuter rail train struck his vehicle at Braintree crossing – The Boston Globe
-
Denver, CO2 hours agoDenver weather: Warmer weather for Memorial Day with an isolated storm
