Smart speakers look like a piece of fantastic technology from the near future. They can answer our questions, connect multiple devices in one network, and even order dinner. You can even order reliable paper writing on PaperWriter, but they can do many more awesome things.
General Overview
Three major smart speakers dominate the modern market: Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. They belong to Apple, Amazon, and Google respectively. They share a common principle but differ in particular features.
A smart speaker is a device that can recognize human commands and give an appropriate reaction. A smart speaker synchronizes with all other devices of your home network, and you can control these devices via voice commands.
Smart speakers may play music, read the news, and do other activities to which you will program them. Sometimes they may give intelligent and witty responses. It may be terrifying at first but be at ease. Smart speakers do not have built-in Artificial Intelligence.
Therefore, you need to know how to communicate with them. You can get more details about how they work from the Speaker Users Manuals.
How to Speak to Your Smart Speakers
Each smart speaker has the so-called wake word. It is a special command, which makes a smart speaker activate and pay attention. Otherwise, a simple talk near a speaker will cause a massive mess.
For Google Assistant, the word is “Ok, Google.” For Siri, it is “Siri” and “Alexa” for Alexa. Each of the smart speakers can catch your speech fluently. However, sometimes they may require a particular syntax.
Google Assistant and Siri are better with natural language and commands recognition. Still, you need to talk loud and clear to make sure that your command will be executed correctly.
For example, Alexa requires a strict order of words for particular actions. It is easy to pick up a smart speaker and learn how to communicate with the speaker. It will be less helpful if you bombard it with indirect speech and unusual terms.
Home Network Management
The very essence of smart speakers is the management of the home network. In terms of availability, Google Assistant is the most popular choice. It supports all Android devices and can connect to almost anything.
In the case of Siri, you need to have an Apple ecosystem to put the smart speaker to good use. Alexa easily synchronizes with the rest of the Echo devices in your network.
Your speakers can manage a Smart Tv, and you can set everything by voice in a different room. Setting the time of turning on and off, managing downloads, and opening other applications – all of these features are available via smart speakers.
Third-party Features
The built-in features are not the limit for smart speakers. There are hundreds of third-party programs, or skills, for your smart speakers. For example, you can patch your speaker to:
- Play games
- Read news
- Give you info over your credit card status
- Joke
And these possibilities are only the tip of the iceberg.
The smart speakers can play music from your phone or even activate songs from the network. However, Youtube or Apple Music compositions will suffice in this case.
You can give commands to activate other smart devices in your house via the smart speakers. In the case of Siri, you will need HomeKit compatible devices. And Alexa may give commands to other Echo-based devices of your network.
Besides, you can make phone calls via your smart speakers. Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant manage almost all US numbers. Alexa can also make foreign calls in Canada and Mexico.
Sound Quality
Despite being magnificent in all other aspects, smart speakers have moderate sound quality. They can cover small rooms like the kitchen or bedroom, to listen to music or radio there. However, bigger spaces like living rooms leave much to desire from the speakers.
Yet, smart speakers can control other, more powerful devices. For example, Bluetooth speakers.
It is not optimal to use smart speakers as a primary sound source for your TV. Try to optimize your network in a way in which you can give commands to the smart speakers easily and activate necessary smart devices.
Best Models Available on the Market
Sonos One 2nd Gen
Sonos are universal smart speakers that can connect to Alexa and Google Assistant. Besides, they have a unique smart assistant as well. One of the most prominent features of these smart speakers is qualitative sound.
Overall, smart speakers do not shine in this aspect, but Sonos One emphasizes the quality of sound. It may cover bigger rooms and even sound greatly outdoors.
However, there are some shortcomings for the Sonos as well. The software of the smart speakers receives rare updates. Besides, this model’s lifespan is shorter than its competitors.
Amazon Echo 4th Gen
One of the latest installments in Alexa’s family. The main feature of this smart speaker is its design. Echo 4th Gen is a ball-like speaker that spreads the sound over 360 degrees. It is a great option for smaller rooms like the bathroom or bedroom.
The smart speaker will fill the whole space with sound. Most importantly, it will catch your command from any corner of the room.
Google Nest Audio
This smart speaker is a direct competitor for the Echo 4th Gen. They share similar functionality and approximately the same sound quality. Google Nest Audio has a pillow-like form that helps it stand out among other competitors.
A pair of Nest Audio can work well as a stereo solution for your working Pc. The smart speaker manages all the tasks exceptionally well.
Final Words
Smart speakers are devices that make the operation of the home network more comfortable. They may struggle to provide loud and rich sound, but they are irreplaceable assistants when you multitask.
The three major speakers, Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, are not the only choice on the market. They represent the high-end possibilities of smart speakers and what the technology can do. However, many alternatives can suit you.