A San Francisco-based startup called Deveillance has introduced a portable device that it says can prevent nearby microphones from recording conversations. The product, called Spectre I, is described as an AI-powered tabletop anti-surveillance device designed to distort audio captured by microphones within its range.
The device is currently available for pre-order, with the company expecting shipments to begin in the second half of 2026.
Spectre I Uses Inaudible Signals to Distort Recorded Audio
According to Deveillance, Spectre I works by emitting power-efficient omnidirectional signals that are inaudible to humans but interfere with nearby microphones.
The company claims that these signals distort the audio captured by recording devices, making the recordings unintelligible.
Spectre I reportedly has a range of around 2 meters, within which microphones attempting to capture sound would receive distorted audio instead of clear speech.
While the startup does not explain the exact technical method, the description suggests the device may rely on ultrasound-based interference to disrupt recordings.
It Can Detect Nearby Microphones
The product was first spotted by Android Authority after Deveillance CEO Aida Baradari announced the device on X.
Baradari described Spectre I as “the first smart device to stop unwanted audio recording.” However, audio jamming devices are not entirely new.
Deveillance claims Spectre I stands out because of three features:
- Portable tabletop form factor
- AI-powered detection of nearby microphones
- Power-efficient audio jamming technology
The company says the device can detect nearby microphones, log them, and provide data to the user. However, it does not explain how this detection works or what types of microphones can be identified.
Technical Details Remain Limited
Deveillance mentions that Spectre I uses a mix of AI, physics, and signal processing technologies to detect and disrupt microphones.
But the company has not provided detailed technical documentation or demonstrations showing how the system works in real-world conditions.
It also does not specify whether the device can detect or block different recording devices, such as:
- Smartphones in airplane mode
- Wired microphones
- Dictaphones
- Hidden recording devices
Without those details, it is difficult to verify how the technology would work in the real world situations.
