Now that I have a "proper" home rather than a room somewhere, I want to get a bit deeper into automation and smart home. I know this is an opinionated topic, as some people vehemently oppose smart assistants because they are "always listening." This topic isn't about the ethics, morals, or whatever about digital assistants. This topic is for those who don't mind digital assistants in their life and their opinions on the assistant(s) they use.
What Smart Home assistant do you prefer? Why is that? Have you used others, what do others lack that your preferred assistant has? Do you have any connected cameras? I'm asking because I've only really ever used Siri and I'm not a fan. I'm doing research into GA vs Alexa and would love to hear your guys' opinions on this as well.
Below I'll document my thoughts on the three players:
Alexa
Google Assistant
Siri
What Smart Home assistant do you prefer? Why is that? Have you used others, what do others lack that your preferred assistant has? Do you have any connected cameras? I'm asking because I've only really ever used Siri and I'm not a fan. I'm doing research into GA vs Alexa and would love to hear your guys' opinions on this as well.
Below I'll document my thoughts on the three players:
Alexa
- My parents went with Alexa and I like her capabilities. I've bought them connected thermostats so they can adjust the temp more easily. Alexa controls the TV too, they can turn it on/off and change inputs with their voice. They've bough Phillips Hue bulbs which I have strongly advised them against and bought them some smart switches, which they installed.
My draw to Alexa is the intercom functionality. My parents, sister, and myself can all drop in on a voice call without actually "calling" each other. The downside (and really a positive aspect) is that you still have to pick up, so it's really no different than a phone call but uses your internet data.
To sort of go back on myself, I also like Alexa because the bigger, the Plus I believe, works with the Phillips Hue lights without a bridge as the Alexa unit is the bridge. Now, I oppose Phillips hue bulbs, not the lights. The stand alone Hue lamps are amazingly awesome I just hate the bulbs because the light switches have to always be on, and being someone who habitually flips switches off, Hue bulbs rarely work (because the power to them is off). It's why I opted for a smart switch in my room and bought my parents a few smart switches as well.
Google Assistant
- Google Assistant (GA) is something I'm strongly considering. I use Googles services through and through: Calendar, Email, Google Voice, Search, Chromecast, Wifi, etc. Their I/O Conference really had me in awe when they demo'd GA making phone calls for reservations. I really love the innovation Google has brought to this and will continue to make.
GA also smashes the other two when it comes to searches and reciting information. I went with a Google Wifi setup at home and just feel like GA would round off the top. I also want to buy a TV with Chromecast built-in, and it'd be so convenient to ask GA to play something on Netflix and it does it all for me.
Siri
- Then there's Apples' HomePod and its Siri integration. Siri obviously lags behind Alexa & GA but I already use Siri on my phone & computer. I love Apples ecosystem and the fact that I can make & take a phone call on my computer, while my phone is still in my pocket or in my room charging. This functionality will be coming to HomePod later. I always feel like Apple will never strongly compete with Amazon & Google but that full Apple ecosystem would be nice. Coming home and streaming Spotify over AirPlay to the HomePod would be great, but I can also ask GA or Alexa to play Spotify for me.
The downside is HomePods price and size. Alexa & GA come in various sizes with appropriate price points but HomePod is just one size and it is expensive. I feel HomePod is advertised as a smart speaker rather than a smart digital assistant like the other two; I can just get a small puck sized unit for Google or Amazon and put it on my night stand and perhaps another in the kitchen.