AI Butler

Google Home could be the AI butler you’ll ever need.

12:01 12 April 2017

Google has released Google Home that directly competes against Amazon’s Echo. Both are voice-controlled smart speakers that allow you to control smart home devices. But is it worth your money?

 

When it comes to set up, Google Home promises a very straightforward and joyful process. Everything that is included in the box has been designed to make extracting stress-free. After downloading the app and plugging the Home into the main, you’re all ready to go.

 

The device, which many agree is aesthetically pleasing as it perfectly integrates with its surroundings, has an impressive voice recognition accuracy and sound quality. Using natural language commands, it can play news, music, radio and podcasts. It is also designed to help you organise your day by setting timers and reading out tomorrow’s itinerary as well as control smart home devices including Nest thermostat and Philips Hue light bulbs.

 

However, Google has limitations. Although it can answer factual questions (e.g., how far is the moon), it cannot provide information that is readily available within Maps and is not programmed to write an email. It does not also currently supports multiple users. However, it is expected that such limitations will be addressed as updates arrive and privacy issues are overcome.