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Here we are finally at one of the topics most interesting of recent years. Google Home And Alexa dominate a market as new and important as that of smart speakers and the so-called internet of things. Are there any alternatives to Google Home?
Do without it or look for alternatives to Google Home?
The first question that comes naturally to us is: but we really need a smart speaker? For many people it has now become a common furnishing object and talking to them is daily practice. But the serious risk of be constantly registered and the feeling of being a little of guinea pigs from the laboratory is a recurring thought for many.
Microphone always on
We don't like conspiracy theories and we try to only talk about real events. However, let's start from a technical assumption: if Alexa or Google they "light up" when we pronounce a certain sentence it means their microphone is always on and that, inevitably, they listen to everything we say. Otherwise they would have no way of lighting up when the fateful sentence is pronounced. Besides, it's from very little has a study been released which lets us know that these tools are activated accidentally up to 19 times a day, recording dozens and dozens of unwanted seconds.
Trust is everything
We must therefore trust of the fact that neither Alexa nor Google they also record what we say and then perhaps analyze it. Well. We know that's exactly what happened: Amazon He admitted that its employees listened to unauthorized recordings and the same goes for Google. In short, it's not a dystopia, there really were real people who weren't authorized by us they listened again to what we had asked Alexa or Google. And they even listened to things we said without saying the phrases “Alexa” or “Ok Google”! All rather disturbing.
One good thing is that these things, so far at least, only have a microphone and not a built-in camera (but we're already there, Unfortunately). So let's go back to the main question: are you really sure you need it at home?
Small update to read and related video to watch: The real cost of smart speakers Of Sam Ellis For Vox.
If you think we're exaggerating read the report of this research where it is discovered that digital assistant microphones are so sensitive that be able to record what someone is typing on a smartphone at a distance of 50cm so much so that it could potentially steal PINs or other sensitive information.
Alternatives to Google Home, some suggestions
First of all, we want to give you a suggestion. It's all very subjective and some automation can really come to our aid sometimes. But have you ever thought about going to (re)discover the NFC tags? Every modern cell phone can read NFC tags. As usual, we don't want to go into long technical explanations, so we will try to explain it in a few simple words.
There are NFC tags on the market (of any shape and size) on which you can save information via your mobile phone. The information can be varied and above all it can be automated.
SMALL AUTOMATIONS WITHOUT VOICE
With the application NFC Tools for example we can give really dozens of actions which, on some occasions, they could also replace the use of voice commands and the various voice assistants. For example, if you use Google Home Alone to "start your favorite radio" you can do it very well and easily even with a NFC tags. It will be enough to have previously set the NFC tags the NFC Tools app by telling it “first open the radio station app, then connect to the bluetooth speaker“. You could then stick the NFC tag in your house somewhere, approach you with your cell phone And have it play automatically on a Bluetooth speaker your favorite radio station.
AN IDEA TO EVALUATE
This is obviously an idea and NFC tags they can't go crazy in everything and for all voice assistants. It is though one chance. Try to see if this choice could be right for you!
Mycroft
Open source
Let's start by warning you that, unfortunately, the world of smart speakers Open source it's still behind compared to mainstream competitors such as Google Home And Alexa. And so the alternatives to Google Home they are in short supply. While Mozilla has a beautiful project called Common Voice (with whom you can also easily collaborate, if you want) from which we hope they will be able to get something really important, there first and only true open source alternative to Google Home and Alexa is called Mycroft.
Raspberry Pi
Mycroft, the name is a tribute to older brother of Sherlock Holmes, is a real open source voice assistant. On their website you can read the instructions to mount it, in total autonomy, on a Raspberry Pi 3 or 3B+. This is an option for those who know a little about IT. For those who want a finished product, the Mark II voice assistant appears to be under construction. Its predecessor, Mark I, is now impossible to buy since sold out. So, for those who don't want or aren't able to create it at home, the only thing to do is wait and wait reserve your Mark II.
openHAB
Open source
Another interesting alternative for those who feel like it mess around a bit'. So if you are a lover of Raspberry and custom setups then openHAB could be right for you. In fact, what is missing are not the projects Open source 1 of automation but someone who has the ability to finance projects similar to Google Home or Alexa for daily use without any kind of technical knowledge.
Home Assistant
Open source
It's not a smart voice assistant but it's a project Open source to be able to automate your home without major difficulties. Found hundreds of integrations for the most varied products. If you need to automate your home for any reason, before throwing yourself into the arms of Google and Alexa give the system a chance Home Assistant! It could really be right for you and yours privacy it would be safe.
Elivia
Open source
It seems that the developers of the operating system /e/ are designing a free alternative, Open source 2 and respectful of privacy a Siri And Google Home.
There is nothing definitive yet or to be tested for common users, but we hope that the project will continue and finally arrive at something really concrete!
Candle
What do you think instead of a smart speaker that does not require an internet connection (and therefore no risk of being spied on), let it be commanded through one's voice And with a beautiful design?
A dream, Certain. Candle it is in fact a technical demonstration that a privacy-friendly world is possible. Several designers, artists and privacy experts have created design objects (not purchasable) but potentially achievable. Candle in fact it is based on the project Snips.ai (now acquired by Are S 3). A voice assistant that promises to protect our privacy as works offline! In short, the technical bases seem to be all there, probably some are missing philanthropic financier determined to enter the voice assistant market with a straight leg!
Conclusions
Now we know a little more about voice assistants, but unfortunately as we have seen there are not many alternatives for those who know little about IT. The only thing is to wait in the hope that Mozilla, Mycroft, Home Assistant And Snips join forces to counter the Google/Alexa duopoly!
If you are interested in some practical examples for understand privacy easily without boring words or strange technicalities we advise you to follow the tag that we have created specifically called, precisely, practical examples.
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