Hustle & Harmony

My apologies for leading you directly to the illumination before we’d quite established the very language of the house itself. One does not simply begin weaving a tapestry without first choosing the threads, does one?

Before you even contemplate the glow of an automated lamp, there is a foundational choice that must be made, one that will echo through every subsequent decision and every whisper of command in your sanctuary.

In this modern age, two* main interpreters stand ready to orchestrate your domestic world: Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant (which, in its ongoing evolution, now steps forward with the expanded capabilities of Gemini). This choice, often overlooked in the eager pursuit of new tech, is about establishing the central intelligence, the very heart, the very brain of your smart home.

Why, you might ask, is this decision so paramount, even before the first smart device enters your threshold? Because once you’ve committed to one, your future gadgets, be they smart plugs, security cameras, or even the subtle hum of automated blinds, will largely communicate within that chosen system. It’s like building a harmonious household where everyone understands each other without constant translation or awkward pauses.

I’ve already told you that my own path leaned towards Google. Having spent seven years as a Google Assistant translator, I found myself, quite naturally, fluent in its particular dialect, but I also highly favoured the Google’ esthetic. I always found Amazon’s product rather, well, clunky.

So, having settled upon the very language your home will speak, your initial, most practical step is to equip your phone with the necessary intelligence. Seek out and download either the Google Home app, or the Alexa app. Once that digital companion is installed, you’ll want to find its voice, IE a smart speaker. While a delightful array of choices awaits, you truly need nothing elaborate to begin with. A modest Google Nest Mini or the Amazon Echo pop will serve admirably, and you’ll often find these at a friendly price, particularly during sales like Prime Days. For those with a keen eye for value, it’s also worth glancing at Facebook Marketplace; tech enthusiasts, forever upgrading their digital companions, frequently offer them at a pleasing discount.

*While Siri is a known voice assistant, for building a comprehensive and seamlessly integrated smart home, Alexa and Google/Gemini currently offer a much broader range of compatible devices and more robust automation capabilities, and thus, we simply won’t be discussing Siri further.