Watch what you say: Apple opens the door to a nightmare world of always-listening tech

For those like me who sometimes struggle to remember names and other small details on the spot, Apple’s new Live Rewind feature on the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 might be a game-changer. This Audio Intelligence feature allows for discreetly listening to short audio clips from conversations that were just missed.

By double-tapping the digital crown and holding the watch to your ear, you can replay the previous 15 seconds of ambient sound, providing an easy way to recall names, restaurant server advice, directions, or any other bits of information.

The S11 processor in the latest Apple Watches enables continuous recording of up to 15 seconds of audio, day and night. Users can not only replay the audio but also receive a transcription of it, which is helpful for visual learners. Importantly, Apple has implemented privacy measures to ensure the feature remains discreet and secure.

The watch does not save any audio files locally or in the cloud; instead, it constantly replaces the buffered audio with new audio. The feature does not identify individual speakers, and all data is encrypted end-to-end.

So, whether you’re meeting new people, dealing with fast-talking servers, asking for directions, or seeking book/movie recommendations, Live Rewind could be a valuable tool. Do you think this feature would help you? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.