GO AHEAD, I’M LISTENING

“GO AHEAD, I’M LISTENING...” Hey Google, please ask Alexa to order the dog food

For around 10 years, we’ve delighted in asking the little voice in our smart devices to call and text our contacts, search the internet and answer meaningless questions – just because it’s funny. The integration of voice assistants has truly changed the way we interact with the internet, our homes and each other, shifting from an addition to our smartphones, to a pillar of connectivity.

A LITTLE PIECE OF SCIENCE FICTION Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant launched alongside the inaugural Echo in November 2014. Inspired by the computer voice system from Star Trek’s Starship Enterprise, Alexa is able to understand and action hundreds of commands straight out of the box, anything from setting timers and telling the time, to reading the news and knowing if you will need an umbrella. Additional downloadable third-party content means Alexa can learn more “skills” to grow in functionality – such as operating smart home systems.

Since the launch of the Echo line (which became available to UK consumers in 2016) Amazon has widely expanded the range with both innovative new models and nextgeneration upgrades. The current line of products includes, but is not limited to, the 3rd generation Echo and its space-saving counterpart the Echo Dot, the Echo Show, equipped with a 10-inch touchscreen, and the Echo Studio, the hi-fi cousin. Amidst its many capabilities, the Amazon Echo range, armed with Alexa, lets users control their smart home, and even make purchases directly through their connected Amazon accounts, simply by asking.

Made available alongside the first Google Home device in 2016, Google Assistant can engage with other devices about the home, such as turning on connected lighting and streaming services, as well as finding out if the weather will be nice next Tuesday. Not Google’s first foray into voice search, unlike it’s predecessor Google Now which focused on search, Google Assistant can respond, engaging in two-way conversation, much like Alexa or Siri are known to do, too.

Google’s Home products come in a variety of sizes and models, and so are perfect for fitting into any home. At present, the range primarily features the Google Home and Nest lines. While Google Home is primarily voice assistant-controlled (smart) speakers, the Nest and Nest Max use touchscreens (7” and 10” respectively), so users are able to watch YouTube videos, browse through their Google Photos and, with the built-in camera of the Nest Max, even video call family and friends. Whether adopting the little Google Home Mini or something a lot more substantial, Google Assistant lets users control their music, smart home, Chromecast streaming, and even recipes, just with their voices.

Enabling friends and family to connect via video call, Facebook Portal landed on the counter tops and TVs of British consumers last October, 11 months after releasing in the US. Along with the “Hey Portal” voice command, the models currently available (Portal, Portal Mini, Portal+ and Portal TV) are equipped with in-built Alexa, to extend its hands-free capabilities. This lets users interact with Portal to stream music, control

The integration of voice assistants has changed the way we interact with the internet, our homes and each other

smart home devices and even order online. Originally a third-party app on the Apple App Store, but later bought out by Steve Jobs, Siri really became known to most consumers with the launch of the iPhone 4S in October 2011. Since then, the popular application has featured on every variation of the iPhone released.

We’ve all gotten into bed without switching off the light and wished we could clap our hands to do it. Well, with the ever-increasing

adoption of voice assistants in smart lighting, it’s easier than ever to stay tucked up in bed, while you ask that little automated voice to do all the heavy lifting.

WHY NOT TALK TO YOUR HOUSE? Synonymous with smart lighting, Philips Hue’s wide range of lighting options (which (includes indoor and outdoor bulbs, lamps and lighting strips) can be connected to a smart home assistant and controlled by voice commands – whether you’re talking to a single lamp or to the entire house. Just starting out, or looking to integrate into an existing smart home setup, Philips Hue is compatible with devices using Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant, as well as those with Microsoft Cortana.

Finding the idea of turning the kettle fon rom the sofa an absolute dream come true? With Lightwave’s array of stylish, easy-toinstall smart power, lighting and heating options, integrating smart tech into an existing voice assistant-powered home is as easy as saying “Hey Google”. Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri via Apple HomeKit whether making the choice to overhaul the space with Smart Dimmers or adding just a single Lightwave smart socket, from now on, simple voice commands are all you need.

A leader in smart security options, many of Swann’s wi-fi security and CCTV systems are compatible with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, from interior solutions, such as the 1080p Alert Indoor Security Camera, to full outdoor 4K multi-camera systems. By connecting to Google Assistant

and Chromecast or Amazon Echo devices with a screen, voice commands make it easy to check in on kids, see who’s at the door, or know if that suspicious noise was just the cat knocking something over.

Tado offers a range of smart heating and cooling solutions, designed to both cut bill costs (up to 31%!) and to make the heating of homes more efficient. Fully compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa (as well as Siri via Apple HomeKit), Tado’s neat Smart Thermostat and Smart Radiator Thermostat, in addition to the new Smart AC Control, make it possible to control the temperature of every room of the house, without even lifting a finger. While the audio quality of first-party smart speakers from the likes of Amazon and Google is regularly praised and improving further with each regeneration, many audio brands are also combining their audio know-how with handy voice assistants.

Powerful home speakers, ideal for any room, many of Sonos’ current generation of products, including the Move, Beam and ever-popular Sonos One, feature a variety of connectivity options, including built-in voice control. Having adopted Amazon Alexa from the get-go, with the One and Beam later adding Google Assistant in 2019 (the Move supported both from its release), Sonos lets listeners control their music with the Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2 or, quite simply, with just their dulcet tones.

Marshall Headphones successfully combines the legacy rock-and-roll aesthetic of Marshall guitar amps with modern audio. The nifty Major III Voice headphones offer Google Assistant on the go, while the Stanmore II Voice, Acton II Voice and the new Uxbridge Voice wireless speakers are all available with either Alexa or Google Assistant, making it easier than ever to switch between the latest album, pop throwbacks and rock classics.

By adopting voice assistants and integrating smart tech, your customers can multi-task and automate their home with ease. Speak to Exertis today about expanding your voice assistant-compatible product range with smart home, audio, and so much more.