Anyone have an Amazon Alexa or Google Home assistant?
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snuci
- Vintage computer guy
- Location: Ontario, Canada
- DT Pro Member: 0131
- Contact:
I've decided to take the plunge into a Home assistant and have ordered a Google Home device. Does anyone else have this or an Alexa and do you have any feedback for newbies?
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Halvar
- Location: Baden, DE
- Main keyboard: IBM Model M SSK / Filco MT 2
- Favorite switch: Beam & buckling spring, Monterey, MX Brown
- DT Pro Member: 0051
3 ... 2 ... 1 FIGHT! 
I have an Echo or two. My tips: Have a look at the new IKEA Tradfri before you buy any expensive Philips Hue stuff like I did. (I'm not sure if Google supports it yet though, but I know Alexa does). And the Logitech Hub is a great device if you have devices with IR remotes.
I have an Echo or two. My tips: Have a look at the new IKEA Tradfri before you buy any expensive Philips Hue stuff like I did. (I'm not sure if Google supports it yet though, but I know Alexa does). And the Logitech Hub is a great device if you have devices with IR remotes.
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chuckdee
- Location: USA
- Main keyboard: Clueboard/RS Ver.B
- Main mouse: Logitech g900
- Favorite switch: Cherry MX Brown
- DT Pro Member: 0151
I have a couple of dots and a Tap. Switching to Google Home. Though the Alexa is useful, I feel I should be able to ask it a question about something, and it return an answer.
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Halvar
- Location: Baden, DE
- Main keyboard: IBM Model M SSK / Filco MT 2
- Favorite switch: Beam & buckling spring, Monterey, MX Brown
- DT Pro Member: 0051
I don't like the Google Home's German voice at all, and asking knowledge questions is something I very hardly do. The spoken answers are too short to be useful anyway. I prefer to google those in writing.
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chuckdee
- Location: USA
- Main keyboard: Clueboard/RS Ver.B
- Main mouse: Logitech g900
- Favorite switch: Cherry MX Brown
- DT Pro Member: 0151
Sometimes I'm just sitting in the living room, watching a tv show with the family, and something will come up. Perhaps from a related episode, or about one of the actors, or even something random. Being able to query without getting out the phone or tablet easily and get a short answer is useful to me.Halvar wrote: ↑I don't like the Google Home's German voice at all, and asking knowledge questions is something I very hardly do. The spoken answers are too short to be useful anyway. I prefer to google those in writing.
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snuci
- Vintage computer guy
- Location: Ontario, Canada
- DT Pro Member: 0131
- Contact:
My plan is to use some Belkin Wemo switches and use it for some home automation. I currently have some X-10 switches that I will convert. I already have a Nest thermostat so I can check that integration but I usually don't ever change the temperature. I will also be experimenting with Chromecast video to see what the possibilities are.
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Halvar
- Location: Baden, DE
- Main keyboard: IBM Model M SSK / Filco MT 2
- Favorite switch: Beam & buckling spring, Monterey, MX Brown
- DT Pro Member: 0051
Yes, the Chromecast integration is pretty good (I have Firesticks instead, so thats another one of the reasons I'm using Echos). And the Wemo switches should be no problem. Have fun!
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gogusrl
- Location: Romania
- Main keyboard: Cherry G80-1851
- Main mouse: Logitech G9x
- Favorite switch: linear stuff
- DT Pro Member: -
Got a nvidia shield a while back (which has google assistant integration and hot word detection) and ordered the smarthings shield link + 5 bulbs + 1 motion sensor and tomorrow (BF!) I plan to order a google home, 3 minis, one chromecast audio and a logitech harmony hub.
Also, I'm not sure if it's still up but samsung had the smarthings bulbs (white, dimmable) at 9.99$.
Also, I'm not sure if it's still up but samsung had the smarthings bulbs (white, dimmable) at 9.99$.