Snooping: It's not a crime, it's a feature

Snooping: It's not a crime, it's a feature. New apps hijack the microphone in your cell phone to listen in on your life

Article from ComputerWorld April 2011 or a more original one from ZDnet/ CNet in 2006

"A new class of smartphone app has emerged that uses the microphone built into your phone as a covert listening device -- a "bug," in common parlance.

But according to app makers, it's not a bug. It's a feature! The apps use ambient sounds to figure out what you're paying attention to. It's the next best thing to reading your mind."

dull, dull dull.  Fear, uncertainty and doubt sell - this is not new and even before apps like Shazam and SoundHound.  In 2001 I reviewed a plan that wanted to determine what TV channel you were watching and come up with new recommendations based on using the microphone on a cell/ mobile.  There are several still trying such as IntoNow  want more there is a good write up on mashable.

Like clicks, keyboard strokes, location it all depends on how you interface with the user. Companies want to provide Context and to do that you need data.  The choice is yours: Go for creepy and collect without telling and provide personal insights - freak me out and die or engage with me and tell me what you are doing and why.