What you need to know before buying smart speakers
If you are looking to buy a smart speaker and are looking for tips for buying smart speakers, this article mentions some important information you need to know about smart speakers. The article presents information such as how a smart speaker works and what are its benefits.
What is a smart speaker?
A smart speaker is a device that is connected to a computer system to provide audio output from the computer. A smart speaker is a speaker that has an inbuilt virtual assistant that accepts voice commands and reacts to them.
A smart speaker can do many things. It can play songs, provide information, launch a program on a computer, play a movie on a TV, and control lights in a home. Smart speakers are one of the essential elements for smart homes of the future. Some popular smart speaker products are:
- Amazon Echo
- Apple Home Pod
- Google Home
Why buy one?
A smart speaker is a very handy device that can perform a number of functions. The things a smart speaker can do include:
- It can do its basic job of playing music and turning on the radio. The difference is you need not control the radio/music players with a remote/mobile, you can do it with your voice.
- It can provide you information on the latest news, weather, traffic conditions, etc
- It can make calls and send messages
- It can set alarms and alerts through your mobile phone or tablet
- It can connect to a TV and play a movie
- It can control smart home devices like lights, air conditioner, etc
- It can help you find recipes while cooking.
How does a smart speaker work?
If you’re looking for tips for buying smart speakers, then one of the first things to know is how smart speakers work. This information will help you understand how to buy them. Smart speakers use a voice recognition system to work.
Each of the popular smart speaker systems use their own voice recognition systems. Amazon uses a system known as Alexa. Apple uses Siri, and Google uses Google Assistant. These systems look for a word to activate the smart speaker. For example, when you say Alexa, the Amazon smart speaker “wakes up” and listens to the command.
When you buy a smart speaker, there is an initial configuration process where you need to train the speaker to recognize your voice, accent, and the words you state. The system will then interpret the words and perform the necessary action.
Security issues
Security is an issue when it comes to smart speakers. A person standing near your door can give a voice command and activate your smart speaker. A recorded voice can be played back to activate the smart speaker. This is a security concern allowing someone to access your smart speaker and they can even hack into your smart home.