Hacker News Reader

Comment by rpowers | Hacker News Reader

This camera gives me the absolute creeps. If someone has this in their home I'd ask them to put it in a drawer.

When the video ended, I thought I just watched the introduction to a new Black Mirror episode. Really didn't feel at ease.

"Go Transparent w/ Google" should be their tag-line. The other commenter on this thread was right about the 'The Circle' comparison.

You may be alluding to it, but Black Mirror has an episode that features the fallout of such a technology already. I believe it was in the first season.

Could you elaborate, what do you see wrong with it? To me it seems like a camcorder, which used to be used all the time. And now no different than any other smart phone camera. Or even just a GoPro sitting there recording whatever.

I'm not the parent poster, but I'd say it's the fact that it's so obviously designed for passive surveillance. Sure you can leave a camcorder or GoPro running, but this thing doesn't even have a screen. Not to mention it has "intelligence". Who knows when it's actually recording?

Sounds like their marketing was just a bit tone deaf. If it is the modern equivalent of the home camcorder then really what's so incredibly scary? I wouldn't have my camcorder out on the counter while a couple friends and I were enjoying a beer, and neither would I have the "Clips" out for that situation.

Having my family all gathered in the same room ripping apart gifts on Christmas always had a camcorder, if we had Google Clips set up in the tree then we'd probably have more footage of my dad in those years than we do now because he was always behind the lens.

Google just needs someone to spin the market appeal better. Passive surveillance is definitely a sore spot. Ease free family memories are way more of a positive spin.

I actually think it has a good chance. If it cost 1/5 of the current price, I'm pretty sure I know 4-5 people who might buy one.

I did feel the creepy vibe, but I've learned a long time ago that I'm more sensitive to that than others.

It look just like GoPro Hero5 which does not have a screen either and also communicate to a smartphone.

but it is not water proof right? y did they not make it water proof? at least it doesn't say so on the site.

A tiny, passive camera where the indicator faces upwards (not facing where the camera is pointed at) with the ability to record 3hrs seems like it would be used as a spy camera. At least with GoPro the camera has a display that tells you it's running.

You forgot the part where you can train it to only record when your estranged spouse has visitation with your kids, based on facial recognition...

> ... uses machine learning to key in on certain people and pets of your choosing and only capture them, so you don’t miss out on adorable moments. Clips is designed to be clipped anywhere, however, including around the house.

You wouldn't just have it out all the time. It's basically a robotic stand-in for the owner taking their phone out and snapping photos. If you're not in a situation where that would make sense, the same would apply to using this thing.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com