Smart Speakers?

Should you get a smart speaker? Google Home, Alexa, or something else?

After a lot of research, I settled on a Google Home, and started with the Mini. I chose the Google speaker because of its integration with IFTTT (more on that another day). To get it to work, you'll need a free Gmail account. If you don't have one, you can get one (get someone to help you sign up if you need it). You'll also need the Google Home app, which is free.

Why a smart speaker? There are numerous reasons why you might want one. Despite all my friends' warning about SKYNET (ridiculous, someone has to pay the electric bill), being able to turn on and off appliances and lights remotely is a bonus (you'll need some additional hardware for this, which I'll cover in another blog post). How many times have you gotten into bed only to realize you left a light on? If your mobility is limited, not having to traipse across the house to turn something on or off is welcome.

But there are other reasons. Fall? Call someone in your contact list to call 911 for you or come help you, just with your voice. (You cannot, as of this date, receive calls, only make them.) Lose your cell phone? Your smart speaker will make it ring. Want to remember a phone number, a prescription, a birthday, doctor's appointment, or anything else? Your speaker will remember it for you.

Classical music has been shown to help with brain function, even in seniors with advanced dementia. Play it for free, whenever you want, with your smart speaker. Trouble reading? Have the news or a website read to you. Want to know the weather? Your smart speaker will tell you the forecast.

Update: evidently smart speakers can be fooled with a cheap laser pointer. Just make sure yours isn't visible from a window and you're safe.