Yes to smart speakers as timers. My daughter's family has an Apple one (because they have AppleMusic) — and when I'm sitting for my grandchildren, it's a constant, "Siri, set a 10 minute timer" to signal, for example, who gets the iPad (on weekends only) or how long one of them gets to win all the points in some crazy game (balloon football?) before the other does. Also, I get to ask Siri to play songs that they can dance to or use for games.
When I was growing up, I used to write down questions I had during the day and then at night look them up in our encyclopedia. Now I'm constantly asking Alexa questions. Thing is, Alexa can be . . . so wrong. Or hilariously misunderstand questions. My husband and I sometimes laugh to tears. Also, we listen to music a lot via Alexa because when we're upstate, it's how we can listen to Jeff Spurgeon.
You know, I look forward to your substack, always.
I think the huge benefit of AI speakers that you're missing is home automation. I have both Amazon and Google's ecosystems and a mishmash of brand of lights, plugs, switches, cameras, and sensors. Not only can I control them all with my AI speakers, but I can monitor their status (oh, did I leave a light on in the garage?) and automate them - all lights get powered off at midnight, or when I say this certain key word/phrase do X, Y, & Z.
Yes, home automation can be done with Open Source/DIY software with HomeAssistant, etc. but it takes a fair amount of computer skills and "hacking" for certain devices/brands. Alexa and Google Home, and Apple's Homekit do a great job of making it easy and consumer friendly.
As an author I find it excellent if I am writing on the fly and can't think of the right word, so e.g. "Hey Alexa, synonym for ridiculous" and low and behold she spouts out a list the Thesaurus would be proud of, and I can snatch the word I need without losing the thread of the story.
Yes to smart speakers as option for journalism / channel of distribution for journalistic content. We do prototype around this. We currently work on news games for kids, e.g. teaching them about supply chain in food, fashion and other industries. And we are currently building our first engagement furniture for local journalism - based on Alexa. So: Yes. Very much in favor of smart speakers - besides all privacy issues.
Yes to smart speakers as timers. My daughter's family has an Apple one (because they have AppleMusic) — and when I'm sitting for my grandchildren, it's a constant, "Siri, set a 10 minute timer" to signal, for example, who gets the iPad (on weekends only) or how long one of them gets to win all the points in some crazy game (balloon football?) before the other does. Also, I get to ask Siri to play songs that they can dance to or use for games.
When I was growing up, I used to write down questions I had during the day and then at night look them up in our encyclopedia. Now I'm constantly asking Alexa questions. Thing is, Alexa can be . . . so wrong. Or hilariously misunderstand questions. My husband and I sometimes laugh to tears. Also, we listen to music a lot via Alexa because when we're upstate, it's how we can listen to Jeff Spurgeon.
You know, I look forward to your substack, always.
I think the huge benefit of AI speakers that you're missing is home automation. I have both Amazon and Google's ecosystems and a mishmash of brand of lights, plugs, switches, cameras, and sensors. Not only can I control them all with my AI speakers, but I can monitor their status (oh, did I leave a light on in the garage?) and automate them - all lights get powered off at midnight, or when I say this certain key word/phrase do X, Y, & Z.
Yes, home automation can be done with Open Source/DIY software with HomeAssistant, etc. but it takes a fair amount of computer skills and "hacking" for certain devices/brands. Alexa and Google Home, and Apple's Homekit do a great job of making it easy and consumer friendly.
As an author I find it excellent if I am writing on the fly and can't think of the right word, so e.g. "Hey Alexa, synonym for ridiculous" and low and behold she spouts out a list the Thesaurus would be proud of, and I can snatch the word I need without losing the thread of the story.
Amazing writer's aid.
Privacy is more than just a significant consideration. It is, IMO, the ONLY consideration.
Yes to smart speakers as option for journalism / channel of distribution for journalistic content. We do prototype around this. We currently work on news games for kids, e.g. teaching them about supply chain in food, fashion and other industries. And we are currently building our first engagement furniture for local journalism - based on Alexa. So: Yes. Very much in favor of smart speakers - besides all privacy issues.