Table of Content
Check to make sure the doors are locked and the lights are off when you’re not home. With more than hundreds of millions of compatible devices, Alexa is undoubtedly one of the most comprehensive smart home ecosystems available today. Now, you can find Alexa-compatible smart speakers, smart displays and much more -- and the list is growing every year. This speaker also has integrated Zigbee hardware, which expands the number of smart home devices that can connect to the Echo without the need for additional hubs, bridges or routers.
Hunches can also change Alexa Guard to Away mode for added security when you leave for an evening run. Alexa doesn't place your devices on a single screen like Google—it uses buckets to categorize your smart devices. This is a bit clunkier than Google Home, since you need to select a category first before controlling an individual device.
Google Home vs. Alexa: Which Assistant is Best?
Also, it is specifically designed for lights and has two outlets that you can’t control independently—so you can’t opt to turn on one outlet and not the other. We tested a number of smart plugs that we didn’t prefer as overall picks but that are perfectly fine choices. The Kasa app includes a security feature called Away Mode to randomly turn the plug on and off, so it looks like you’re home when you’re away. Unlike some other plugs, this one allows you to set specific start and end times, as well as specific days of the week. For example, you can set the plug to turn a lamp on and off randomly from 7 p.m. You shouldn’t need to pay more than that, unless you want a multi-outlet model or an outdoor smart plug.
In these cases, you're better off whipping out your smartphone to find the best information. Google Assistant and Alexa are both great options for a voice assistant—especially for practical tasks like setting timers, smart home controls, listening to music, and checking the weather. Again, the specific commands and available features vary slightly from one camera to the next, but this is roughly what you can expect to be able to do via Alexa when you connect a compatible security camera. And, since it's a smart display, it also offers advanced compatibility with Alexa-enabled security cameras. Perhaps the most impressive thing about the Echo Studio is that it can adapt to the acoustics of any room, straight out of the box, and will continue to adapt every time you use it. The cube also comes with the Alexa-enabled remote, giving you the ability to use your TV and any additional devices connected to your 75-inch TV with one device instead of multiple remotes.
Amazon Echo Glow
A smart home isn't complete without a few smart plugs to connect and control "dumb" devices like lamps or fans. With smartphone app controllability, Alexa compatibility and a sleek design, it's one of CNET's favorite smart plugs on the market. I recommend starting with the $17 2-pack and adding from there if need be. Where you might watch YouTube videos or video chat with your family. For $110, this display will respond to your voice commands while also incorporating tablet-specific features so you can play games, watch movies, browse recipes and make video calls.
When you create a routine, you're able to string multiple commands into one. For example, you can say "Alexa, start my day" to turn on the lights, start the coffee maker and play music at the same time. You have a smart home, now protect it with a smart security camera.
Amazon Smart Thermostat
Some third-party automation features are available for Abode bulbs such as support for Alexa Hunches, which allows Alexa to intuitively control the lights when you are away or asleep, as well as Alexa Routines. Feit Electric Smart Bulbs provide affordable smart lighting that's quick to set up and simple to use with Alexa. The bulbs connect over a 2.4GHz internet connection and can be controlled from anywhere with the companion app.
We update this list periodically, so check back periodically for the most up-to-date recommendations. Fortunately, if you need the voice assistant to slow down, just say "Alexa, speak slower." Or maybe you need Alexa to talk a bit faster. If that's the case, say "Alexa, speak faster." Alexa has seven talking speeds -- four faster, two slower and the default speed. Shop your favorite products and we’ll find the best deal with a single click.
Her work has also appeared in Gizmodo, Wired, Refinery29, Slate, Bicycling, and Outside Magazine. She is based in the San Francisco Bay Area and has a background in electrical engineering. There are also a number of hidden features and quirky questions-and-answers you can ask Alexa. For example, you can ask her to play Rock, Paper, Scissors; get responses when you quote favorite movies (“May the force be with you”); or use her to do math on your behalf. Once you’ve got an Echo device, you download the Alexa app on your phone to go along with it and complete setup. Manage your smart home and stay on top of your shopping when you link these partners with your GE smart appliances.
To learn more about other smart speakers from these companies, see our quick comparison table and individual brand reviews below. Alexa voice commands work with a variety of home security cameras. Say, "Alexa, turn on the reading lamp" to get the Plug Mini smart plug to control the devices connected to it with ease.
Become a home entertainment expert with our handpicked tips, reviews and deals. The Ring Pro 2 is an excellent addition to your home security system. It will satisfy all your basic needs, while also adding a bit of flare to your smart home.
If you’re worried about the fit, consider instead using a smart power strip, which sits on the floor. Also, remember that smart plugs (like most smart-home devices) suffer from occasional flubs, so you may need to get back there and reset the device on occasion. The HS300 is the only smart power strip we reviewed that includes manual controls on the actual device for each of its outlets. Since it has the longest cord of any of the power-strip models we tested, you can tuck the HS300 in a corner, out of sight. The HS300 also includes limited surge protection, though not enough to offer much functional value.
Check out our breakdown of compatible entertainment services to learn what works with each assistant. Both brands have location-based reminders where you can get a reminder upon arriving home, to work, or custom location. For example, if you ask for a reminder to get eggs at Walmart, the smart assistant will ask which store you want to use and give you a reminder on your smartphone when you get there. Want to make reservations at a restaurant or order food for pickup? This is possible too, though you might have to set up a preferred service like Grubhub or DoorDash.
No comments:
Post a Comment