Ask HN: I got both Amazon echo and Google hub for Christmas

#1

Post by valanto » Sat, Dec 25, 2021, 9:14 PM UTC

Which one should I keep?

Re: Ask HN: I got both Amazon echo and Google hub for Christmas

#2

Post by smoldesu » Sat, Dec 25, 2021, 9:21 PM UTC

I don't really like either, but (anecdotally) I've found the Google Home experience to be nicer. I fully intend to get rid of all my current "smart home" trappings when I move, but I have a hard time denying that Google has come in clutch a number of times. Alexa is fine, but there's sorta an inescapable air of consumerism that surrounds using it. It's like you're fighting against Amazon to get the functionality you want most of the time, which is more annoying than it is helpful.

Look on the bright side, at least nobody bought you a Homepod!

Re: Ask HN: I got both Amazon echo and Google hub for Christmas

#3

Post by robert-brown » Sat, Dec 25, 2021, 9:22 PM UTC

Neither.

Re: Ask HN: I got both Amazon echo and Google hub for Christmas

#4

Post by ssss11 » Sat, Dec 25, 2021, 10:14 PM UTC

Which overlord would you prefer to submit your voice to for tracking?

Re: Ask HN: I got both Amazon echo and Google hub for Christmas

#5

Post by garmaine » Sat, Dec 25, 2021, 10:23 PM UTC

Neither. Why would you want a surveillance device willingly planted in your home? Return them both.

Re: Ask HN: I got both Amazon echo and Google hub for Christmas

#6

Post by valanto » Sun, Dec 26, 2021, 5:58 AM UTC

garmaine wrote: post #5

Neither. Why would you want a surveillance device willingly planted in your home? Return them both.

I already have a mobile phone so...

Re: Ask HN: I got both Amazon echo and Google hub for Christmas

#7

Post by garmaine » Sun, Dec 26, 2021, 12:09 PM UTC

valanto wrote: post #6

garmaine wrote: post #5

Neither. Why would you want a surveillance device willingly planted in your home? Return them both.

I already have a mobile phone so...

There is a world of difference between a network connected device that happens to have a microphone that could be hacked by a three letter agency, albeit not without draining your battery, and a plugged in device whose entire purpose is to listen in on, record, and send to a third party your private conversations.

Re: Ask HN: I got both Amazon echo and Google hub for Christmas

#8

Post by smoldesu » Sun, Dec 26, 2021, 9:11 PM UTC

garmaine wrote: post #7

valanto wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I already have a mobile phone so...

There is a world of difference between a network connected device that happens to have a microphone that could be hacked by a three letter agency, albeit not without draining your battery, and a plugged in device whose entire purpose is to listen in on, record, and send to a third party your private conversations.

I don't see the difference.

Re: Ask HN: I got both Amazon echo and Google hub for Christmas

#9

Post by ReallyOldLurker » Wed, Dec 29, 2021, 1:25 AM UTC

Keep both. Don't hook them up. Tear them apart and see what DYI project arises or parts can be used for your other projects. There is no obligation to Google or Amazon to use them the way they want you to.