31–40 of 414 posts
Probably has something to do with being on the market first, but developing a skill is a much better experience than it is with Google (imo). I think that's a big reason why.
I've developed a number of skills for some big companies, and I'm fighting Amazon right now about getting my open source one published (https://github.com/m0ngr31/kodi-alexa)
Google is miles ahead in terms of a conversational assistant. There is a lot of friction in using voice activated services. If I have a choice of typing "Weather in XXXXX zip" in the address bar vs. asking an assistant, I choose the former. Therefore, every time I use anything else but Google, I am afraid it won't recognize my command and I immediately feel like throwing that thing out of the window. I need to be 100…
I got a google home solely because it came w/ a hue package and tried to show it to my family. The Home couldn't hear me over itself (music) across the kitchen... My alexa can hear what I'm saying down the corridor with the shower on and much louder. It was embarassing
Makes sense, but give me the Google Home. The Chromecast pairing is insane, a better speaker in the mini, and frankly, I'll invite Google to own my life before Amazon.
Ok, it is cheap. It is also cool. But does the techies here find it really useful? If so, why?
Google is miles ahead in terms of a conversational assistant. There is a lot of friction in using voice activated services. If I have a choice of typing "Weather in XXXXX zip" in the address bar vs. asking an assistant, I choose the former. Therefore, every time I use anything else but Google, I am afraid it won't recognize my command and I immediately feel like throwing that thing out of the window. I need to be 100…
And Amazon is ahead in cash money dollars, market penetration and app/IoT integrations. Also, don't think for a second that they're lazing about and not trying to figure out how to surpass Google in the areas where they're behind.
The right way to choose between them is by looking at the hardware, and the reviews I've seen say that the Echo Dot is too quiet. That can't be fixed in software.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
I got new tires, but didn't buy a car, so they are worthless. That is basically what you are saying here. We both agree, it will tell you the weather, your commute, and play some music. Those are the things you grew tired of, but many people have their entire homes wired to these devices (me included). I don't use them daily, I use them hourly at home. It runs my sprinklers, lawn mowers, vacuums, lights, alarms, time…
That is the creepiest thing ive ever read on HN. I am 25 so maybe I am just getting jaded but that seems incredibly intrusive.
Because when anyone talks about "investing" in a wifi lawnmower, or any other consumer gadget, I think they're seriously misusing the word...
Who could imagine that people would install telescreens voluntarily, and pay for the privilege?
Earlier quoted context omitted.
I got new tires, but didn't buy a car, so they are worthless. That is basically what you are saying here. We both agree, it will tell you the weather, your commute, and play some music. Those are the things you grew tired of, but many people have their entire homes wired to these devices (me included). I don't use them daily, I use them hourly at home. It runs my sprinklers, lawn mowers, vacuums, lights, alarms, time…
That is the creepiest thing ive ever read on HN. I am 25 so maybe I am just getting jaded but that seems incredibly intrusive.
Makes sense, but give me the Google Home. The Chromecast pairing is insane, a better speaker in the mini, and frankly, I'll invite Google to own my life before Amazon.
Out of curiosity, why Goole before Amazon?
That alone has tarnished my opinion of the company.
Makes sense, but give me the Google Home. The Chromecast pairing is insane, a better speaker in the mini, and frankly, I'll invite Google to own my life before Amazon.