For my next post, I would like to introduce you to a smart device that will become essential in any stylish home or classroom. As we continue to see the number of devices becoming smart, everything from plugs and lights to our televisions, we will need something to control all of them. Right now, most of the smart devices come with their own app for control. But if you have ten smart devices, it can be frustrating going into your phone to find the app for what you want amongst the hundreds of apps on our phones. What you need is a smart hub. Now I know you are already thinking that sounds expensive and complicated, but rest assured, these hubs are simple to use and relatively cheap. A lot of you probably already have one in your home without knowing it. The Hubs I want to expose you to are the various Alexa hubs (Amazon Echo's) and Google Nest devices. They have become popular in homes to control music and answer random questions. However, these devices are capable of so much more. They can manage all your smart devices if they are compatible with the brand you have selected. Let us look at a few of them.
Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
This hub is Bluetooth and wi-fi capable. This important because you can't hardwire your new smart devices to anything (which is the point of getting them). This hub is capable of connecting to several devices. Typical devices include lights, plugs, thermostat, security devices, televisions, and radios. It can also control outdoor things like cameras, lights, sprinklers, and even an electric smoker. One of its unique features is a security one called Alexa guard. It will listen for glass breaking or smoke alarms, immediately turning on lights and notifying you with the option of contacting emergency services on your behalf. The only downside to this hub is that it only works with Alexa's items, but lucky for everyone Amazon makes their own version for most of the smart devices out there.
Google Nest Hub Max
This hub is Bluetooth and wi-fi capable. It comes with a nice 10-inch touch screen to help with navigation. It can also play videos from youtube. It is compatible with security cameras, video doorbells, baby monitors, and most video producing devices. It is also capable of connecting to lights, plugs, and a few other smart devices. It comes with an intelligent home networking protocol that helps protect your home from hackers. With these few unique features, it still is not as sophisticated as Alexa but is a step up from other platforms like Apple home pod and Samsung connect home.
Other hubs that are just now starting to compete with Amazon and Google are Apple with the Home Pod and Hubitat Elevation, but they still offer minimal options. Samsung Connect Home is one that is close on the heals of both Alexa and Google. In time the competition will push more devices to be compatible with multiple platforms, which will be a win for consumers.
I hope you enjoyed reading about these two, and it leads to you researching on your own and sharing capabilities here with the rest of us.
Michael
ReplyDeleteI would probably start with the Amazon Echo since most of my devices are Amazon. I have about five devices at this point so it sounds like this would be a great investment to handle them. I just like most people are a little wary of all of these devices but can't deny they make things easier. My Mom is very technologically challenged so the ability to tell the Amazon Fire Cube to go to one of her favorite shows makes it less stressful for her. Thank you for your great post.
Tammy
Mike,
ReplyDeleteI had no idea about the full capability of these devices. This is mind blowing for me. I guess I really do not use tech to its fullest, nor do I put too much effort into figuring out what they can do, that probably stems from being extremely poor growing up and not having anything cool other then a stick to play with. However, no that I have made something of myself I should start looking into upgrading my life with some of these techs... I'll probably be calling you or Andy E. when I get confused by the big words in the instructions...
Andy D.
Mike,
ReplyDeleteI never thought about being able to manage multiple devices with one hub station sounds like a great idea. I do like the fact of the Amazon Echo being Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capable those two features make life easier if you cannot plug in directly to an outlet. I was never a big fan of all these features but to be honest I find myself using them more and more each day. For example, I bought a set of Bose wireless surround sound speakers that if not for the Bluetooth capability and having Wi-Fi I would not have had the ability to connect them to the T.V. Great Post
Alex
Mike T.,
ReplyDeleteI am very leery about these kind of devices. Any device with a microphone or the capability to manage many Bluetooth or wireless devices leaves someone wide open to have their privacy invaded or PII stolen by some hacker. I also don't want to be so dependent on technology. More of these kind of blogs I read, the more I want to downsize the technology in my house.
v/r
Andy E.
Andy,
DeleteThis is definitely a concern, having the microphone always on. I am sure the government has already figured out how to access them with out us knowing. I also don't like that it listens to your conversations and then recommends ads that pop on your phone based on the conversations you have. Because of that I think the guys from social dilemma are doing a good thing. Pushing congress to pass a technology ethics law is what we need.
Mike T.,
ReplyDeleteI tend to agree with Andy E about this. While I agree this is fascinating and it is amazing all the things you can do with them I remain concerned about a constant “hot mic” in my home and the potential of being compromised. I have young children whose safety is my top priority. To me a microphone always on is no different to camera access when it comes to protecting the privacy of minors.
Mike W.
Mike,
ReplyDeleteThese systems are amazing, I am thrilled to see my daughter engaging with Alexa. Since she is only seven and learning how to read she takes advantage of being able to ask Alexa questions and getting a response. It makes her feel more independent and gets a different perspective than her parents.
I am glad to see that other companies are coming up and broadening the competition. I think we benefit from that because it seems that companies that pull to far ahead tend to forget what they are supposed to facilitate. Great comparison!
Walt
Mike T,
ReplyDeleteAll the smart home devices are becoming a staple in almost every American home. It gets to the point that it is hard to choose which one to buy. I think that I have all of the different variations in my household. Google nest controls my thermostat, Alexa controls my information gathering, Samsung controls my TV and entertainment, and Siri controls my phone and watches. Not to mention that my sprinkler system is controlled by b-hyve and RIng controls my security. It can become overwhelming, so I think I may need to decide which system I want to streamline everything through. However, I do believe each are compatible with one another...to an extent. Thanks for the post this week!
Charles,
DeleteI think I am about as split at home as you. Hopefully in time we will see the devices become compatible with one or even multiple hubs. I don't truly like the idea of having to stay with one brand, just so they can all connect. I think that will eliminate the competitive drive to make the products better.