There are a huge variety of spy devices, from pen recorders and cameras in books, to flying radio-controlled robots the size of dragonflies with a camera on board.
Due to the number of different types of spy devices, let’s divide them into subcategories:
- Hidden cameras, night cameras and similar surveillance devices.
- Binoculars, with adjustable optics and night vision devices.
- Voice recorders and a variety of eavesdropping devices.
- Lie detectors, motion detectors, etc.
High technology has made it possible to miniaturize spy devices, turning virtually every object into a potential threat to our security. But strangely enough, spy gadgets can also be used for protection. There are devices capable of picking up “bugs” and hidden cameras that can, in principle, be used in your own home for video surveillance when the owners are away.
The main difference between this category of gadgets and the others is that they were created not only and not so much for entertainment as for use. For work, protection or information gathering – depends only on the will of the owner.
The key characteristics are: miniaturization, the ability to mimic, protection, large memory.
Miniaturization and mimicry – a good spy gadget is invisible. Not for nothing today you can find cameras disguised as alarm clocks and lipstick, as well as bugs hidden in a surge protector or an eraser!
It should be protected – no spy gadget should ever come in contact with water or hit the ground. Devices on the market are especially valued for their high physical durability and software protection (keeps information from being hacked and stolen).
Large memory – the working time of most spy devices is measured not by its battery power, but by its ability to capture a certain amount of information. As a rule, the memory of microcams and “bugs” runs out faster than their batteries. Therefore, of particular value are devices that provide you with hours of “eavesdropping” and video recording.
Leaders of sales: The market of spy gadgets is filled with Chinese manufacturers, who do not advertise their name. Because of the illegality of most of these devices, they are masked behind uninteresting names. Therefore, to choose a product here is almost “blind”. In the best case, a tip on the “spy gadget” will give you a friend or an experienced user of such equipment.
Price Delta: Spy gadgets made in China can be purchased for ridiculous amounts of money. Voice recorders and microcams sell for $30-40. Better models will cost you $100-200 bucks. Full-fledged tracking and surveillance systems cost serious money, however, for their purchase you can get and much more serious punishment!
Prospects of the industry: At the moment, the use of “spy gadgets” is banned in most countries of the world. Somewhere with reservations, somewhere without any exceptions. Hence the lack of spy developments from world famous manufacturers in the field of hi-tech. As a consequence – very low quality of most listed devices, lack of adequate warranty system, eternal “bugs” and “lags”.
This does not mean that there is no demand in society for the use of such devices. However, the issue of legalizing “spy gizmos” is going to be as hard and slow to solve as legalizing private firearms. So far, the arguments “Against” in this sphere outweigh the arguments “For”.