Smart speakers - Do you use one?

[witchcraftz]

I've been thinking about buying an Echo Dot or Google Mini smart speaker. So we head to Bestbuy and I check them out. Of course my better half looks at me and says: how will this make things simpler?

And then I had to think about it, I currently have to pick up a remote and press 1 button for my TV to work. Does adding a Home hub + firestick / chrome cast + smart speaker really make things simpler?

I don't stream much music at home so that's not a big concern.
What else can it do? It can make calendar appointments and set a timer, things I can do with a few taps of my phone.

So now I'm wondering what I would use it for. Anyone else jumped on the smart speaker bandwagon? What do you find it's actually useful for?

[stefan]

Re: Smart speakers - Do you use one?

I like smart things... I have my z-wave, and my chromecast stuff, but I really like my cellphone being the hub for it all. I guess more devices just doesn't really make sense when my phone is always in reach.

[R_Ethug]

Re: Smart speakers - Do you use one?

google home but for music services Sonos 1000000%.. have it all over my house.. yes it costs a bit but it just works and is awesome.. google home is more for some easy automation but can play music if I really want it.

[CGY_GTI]

Re: Smart speakers - Do you use one?

My phone is always on me or very nearby, so I don't see the need for a smart speaker in my case. I have a few Sonos speakers and sound bars throughout the house for music and TV, but that's it.

[Danaldson]

Re: Smart speakers - Do you use one?

ive been using my apple homepod for about 2-3 months now and i love it. From reviews, siri cant do nearly as much as google, or alexa. But it does the basic things you do around the house. I have it controlling lights, nice for cooking timers, setting reminders. Your basic home stuff. Ive been super happy with it.

But the best thing is by far the sound/music capabilities. I have never heard any speaker that comes remotely close to the quality that comes out of it.

Ive also got it setup to my thermostat which is handy, but i dont really change the temp much.

[witchcraftz]

Re: Smart speakers - Do you use one?

I have a Sonos Play5 v2, would love for Sonos to simply push a software update so I have Alexa or Google Home integrated into it without me having to buy a new product....

I guess since all my appliances are normal appliances, don't have central heating/thermostat, and I don't have smart switches everywhere, my home automation is not going to benefit from a smart speaker yet.

[stefan]

Re: Smart speakers - Do you use one?

My fave automation in my house is having the extra two homelink buttons in the car turn off and on all the lights in my garage. I could probably integrate a speaker so that I could verbaly turn them off and on too, but I don't think I'd ever use it. I'd still just use a phone app. I feel weird talking to a computer.... uncanny valley stuff...

[kujiwara]

Re: Smart speakers - Do you use one?

I like calling my mom on the phone speaker