What are smart speakers and how do they work?
When we talk about smart speakers, we mean they come with the ability to play music straight from your chosen streaming service (Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music) and they also feature a voice assistant.
The three main voices – Alexa, Google and Siri– can do everything from read out your texts to change the volume on your workout playlist, and they’ll also control your compatible smart home gadgets.
Siri is only found on Apple devices, but you can find Google and Alexa assistants on a variety of speakers and handsets.
They connect to your wifi network so you don’t need to keep hold of your smartphone or tablet to start talking. To get the conversation going, all you need to do is say a trigger phrase to your speaker and the assistant will respond. You can then ask specific questions or request that it play a song or album.
Amazon Alexa: “Alexa, what’s the weather like”?
Apple’s Siri: “Hey Siri, where’s my nearest petrol station?”
Google Assistant: “Hey Google, what’s on my calendar this week?
Things to consider when buying a smart speaker
Music services
Some models won’t be able to access all streaming services. For example, Apple Music is the only compatible music streaming service with HomePod, although Spotify can be played via AirPlay on Apple devices. Amazon Echo devices can play from Amazon Music, Spotify, and Apple Music.
Smart home gadgets
If you want to control smart devices such as light bulbs, thermostats or TV streaming devices, then you’ll need to choose a voice assistant that’s compatible with them. Amazon’s Alexa works with the widest range of gadgets but if you already own Nest wifi security cameras or a Chromecast then a smart speaker with Google Assistant may be better. If you have Apple devices in your home, a HomePod is the one to pick.
Other connections
You can opt to physically connect your speaker to your smartphone or tablet using a cable. Many models come with a 3.5mm plug so you can connect to other speakers or devices.
Who is smarter: Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri?
Google is touted as the best assistant if you want to have a continued conversation with your speaker, as you can ask additional questions without having to “wake it up” by saying Google first.
For example, you could ask it to read out a recipe’s ingredients and then ask what the first three steps are as your speaker responds. It also has direct access to Google’s search engine for all your questions.
Both Siri and Alexa let you call up contacts or respond to texts through your wifi, though Alexa can only talk to contacts who also use the same voice assistant.
Your choice will likely boil down to personal preference or if you’ve already got a particular device with a certain assistant. If you’re weighing up the differences between Alexa and Google Home for controlling your smart devices, we’ve compared them both in this guide.
Are smart speakers always listening?
Smart speakers are always listening out for your demands, so the microphone will be on to pick up your voice. However, they will only start recording your voice and acting on your request when you “wake them” with their trigger word.
If this makes you feel uncomfortable, you can turn it off via the app on your phone or tablet or use the mute button. It can be found on the top of the Amazon Echo and the back of the Google Home. Apple’s HomePod doesn’t have a physical button. Instead, you say: “Hey Siri, stop listening” and when you need to restore listening you can do so from the app.