Within legal parameters, some people may want to monitor events in their homes, offices, or other areas. There are several different kinds of spy bugs that allow people to hear conversations between two or more people. A spy bug can transmit conversations from a room or from a phone. In addition, some can catch passwords typed on a computer keyboard.
Room transmitters comprise the vast majority of spy bugs. The device often is a voice-activated spy bug. This means that it only turns itself on when a voice is heard. It will also turn itself off if there is no one speaking for a given period of time. As a result, it will use batteries sparingly, ensuring that the listener will not need to change the batteries for several months or years at a time.
Along the same lines of the voice-activated spy bug is the remote-control spy bug. As a result of being operated remotely, if the listener feels that an important conversation will take place, the bug may be turned on. Otherwise, it may be kept off. In addition to saving batteries, this type of device is also beneficial because it cannot be detected by spy bug detectors if it is in the off position. Consequently, it can be turned off at a moments notice to go undetected, if necessary.
The disguised spy bugs are among the more fun kinds available. The transmitters for these bugs are usually disguised as ordinary household or office items. For example, what appears to be an ordinary desktop calculator or mouse may actually contain a miniature listening device.
Although most spy bugs are in the form of room transmitters, there are also telephone transmitters available. These bugs transmit all sides of a telephone call to a listener. Depending on the model, the telephone calls can be recorded and stored for later use, or they can be listened to live.
Also, there are bugs that are used on computer keyboards called key catchers. This type of spy bug works by recording all the letters or key strokes typed on computer keyboard. The information is then transmitted to an off-site location where it can be seen live or saved for future use.
In addition, although nearly all the bugs are used for audio purposes, there are cameras that are available for visual spy needs. The cameras typically are not considered to be bugs. They can be small in size and virtually undetectable as well.