Google Tone Shares Links To Computers Within Earshot Using Beeps And Boops

Popular Science ^ | 05/22/15 | Jason Cipriani

[Enlightened1]

A new Chrome extension, called Google Tone, released this week makes it possible to share a URL with another computer in the room using a series of beeps and boops. The concept is dead simple yet instantly instills a sense of disbelief. A computer making seemingly random sounds can transmit the URL for the tab I have open in Chrome across the room? Get out.

Full of skepticism, I decided to put it to the test. I installed the Chrome extension on a MacBook Air and a HP laptop running Windows 10. And you know what? It works! Click on the blue megaphone icon, some noise is made, and a few seconds later the link is available across the room on another computer.

[backwoods-engineer]

I find it hilarious that these young punks are amazed at “beeps and boops” carrying information. Do they have no idea what a modem is? No concept of information encoded on audio signals? I guess their generation doesn’t remember “you’ve got mail!” after a cacophony of “beeps and boops”, as the wet-behind-the-ears author puts it.

[W.]

Yeah, I discovered that the earphone can record after mother gave me an old tape recorder when I was in the 2nd grade. But it wasn't very efficient. And as to the ones on the motherboard, I reasoned they're buttoned up in the case and all they're gonna pick up are the cooling fans buzzing.

My laptop has neither cam nor mike, but the guy in the front apartment's has both and I shudder to think what it has the possibility of seeing and I don't believe he even realizes it and it's not taped over! AAAAAH! I DON'T WANNA KNOW!