Google says it put hidden microphone in home alarm system and didn't tell customers

Google has admitted to installing hidden microphones in a home product and not telling customers they were there. The company says it never meant to keep the listening devices a secret and they had only been left of the box because of an "error". The Nest Secure alarm system did not include the microphone as part of its specifications but it was "never intended to be a secret", parent company Google said. The hardware feature came to light after Google announced a software update to the Nest Secure system would enable it to use its voice-activated helper, Google Assistant, which is powered by artificial intelligence to answer queries and commands. Until then, the product web page for the device did not say it contained a microphone.