What are bugs?

GSM Bugs, Bugs and Spy

Bugs, also known as spy microphones or spy bugs, are small electronic devices capable of transmitting the audio perceived by the microphone in real time, allowing the user to perform ambient listening.

Advantages and disadvantages of bugs compared to micro recorders

By transmitting live audio, wiretaps allow for quick and effective information acquisition. However, unlike microrecorders, they do not record conversations and require constant attention from the user, as the information of interest may not be available at predefined times.

Microrecorders, on the other hand, allow for quick playback of recordings, but must be physically retrieved to download the data, thus not allowing for live environmental listening.

Environmental bugs and car bugs

Bugs are equipped with ultra-sensitive spy microphones capable of picking up even the faintest sounds. Bugs powered by a 220V mains supply, ideal for medium- to large-sized environments, are called environmental bugs.

The 12V powered bugs, on the other hand, are specifically designed for cars and, like the battery-powered versions available in our catalog, are equipped with AGC (Automatic Gain Control) microphones, which automatically adjust the volume of the ambient listening.

GSM bugs and radio bugs

Environmental listening devices are divided into two main categories:

• Radio bugs: they use radio frequency transmissions to cover limited distances (50-200 meters);

• GSM bugs: allow for unlimited range listening, requiring only a SIM card and no dedicated receiver.

In the private sector, GSM bugs have gradually replaced radio bugs.

Other types of bugs and spy devices

The term "bug" or "spy device" is often used to refer to other devices, including:

• GPS trackers (GPS bugs or GPS microphones);

• Micro recorders and audio spy devices;

• Microcameras and hidden cameras;

• Cell phone spy software;

• Special wall and directional microphones.