Samsung TVs and Soundbar Hijacking Concerns
A recent claim by a researcher who reverse-engineered their 2025 Samsung TV has sparked concerns about the device’s ability to hijack soundbars and listen in on users. The researcher found that the TV’s telemetry system can detect and log dog-barking and baby-crying events, as well as tap into Bluetooth devices for audio. While sound detection is an advertised feature of the Samsung TV, the reporting of these events back to Samsung servers is not.
The Samsung QN90B TV and Samsung Q80B TV models are among those that have been found to have this capability. The researcher used a Samsung Galaxy S25 to analyze the data being transmitted from the TV. This has raised questions about the privacy and security of Samsung devices, including the Apple Watch Series 10 and iPad Air M2, which also use Bluetooth technology.
The issue has sparked debate about the use of always-on microphones in smart devices, such as the Amazon Echo and Google Home. While these devices are designed to provide convenient voice control, they also raise concerns about surveillance and data collection. The Samsung TV‘s ability to tap into soundbars, such as the Samsung HW-Q950A, has added to these concerns.
It is essential for consumers to be aware of the potential risks associated with smart devices and to take steps to protect their privacy. This can include disabling always-on microphones, using devices with robust security features, such as the Apple iPhone 14, and being cautious when using Bluetooth devices, such as the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones.