Is a wake word the same as continuous recording?
A wake word is an activation mechanism. It does not by itself establish whether preceding audio is stored or sent to a server. Detection, recording and remote processing should be described separately.
Activation needs a visible state change
Our interface preference is for the wearer to know when the app has moved from waiting for activation to accepting a request. Without that feedback, a missed wake word and a slow answer can feel like the same failure. The system should also make it clear when listening ends.
Say the activation phrase, then pause before the request. Observe the documented feedback rather than assuming the whole interaction began correctly. To understand retention, consult the particular feature's data behavior. A successful activation test proves recognition of that event, not the absence of every other audio process.