If your voice assistant doesn’t work as you expect, it’s not worth the investment. Amazon has the largest range of products, including the Echo Dot for $35 and the Echo Show for $229. You can also buy cheaper speakers from Anker. You can also purchase the Sonos One if you want better sound quality. It has Alexa and Google Assistant built-in. Both assistants can be downloaded on Android and iOS devices via an app.

Google released two smaller versions of its Home: one that is cheaper (the Mini) the other with better sound quality (the Max). Google has also been working with third-parties to make Google Assistant available for both Android and iPhones. However, the features on the iPhones are limited.

Google offers two smart displays like Amazon: the Nest Hub Max and Nest Hub Max. The latter model features a larger screen, and a camera that can be used for video-calling support. Google Assistant can also be used with a few third-party smart displays such as the Lenovo Smart Device.

Both Alexa and Google Assistant are only available in certain regions. Google’s language availability is dependent on where you are located. Not all languages are available on all devices or in every region. However, at least 19 languages are available in the U.S. Google Assistant can be used to add another language to the device and it will recognize queries in both languages. However, you cannot switch between languages within the same query. Google Assistant has a clever interpreter mode that allows you to ask it to translate words from another language. This is a verbal version of Google Translate.

Alexa’s language support can be more complicated. It can speak English (U.S., U.K.), and German. (It can even understand a Texas accent, and local Houston slang). Limited Japanese support is also available. It also has multilingual mode that allows you to use two languages, including English and Hindi in India, English and French in Canada, and Spanish and English in America. Although Alexa is available across 41 countries, not all Echo devices can be found in every country, it is available in many. Although Alexa cannot handle translations between languages, there is a third party skill that can, although it is more complicated than Google’s.

While it is great to have built-in features, sometimes you want to add something that isn’t included in the package. You may need to contact a third party in this case.

Alexa can access more than 100,000 third party skills. Although not all these skills are the best, there are likely to be something that will meet your needs. You can also create basic integrations with the IFTTT website service, or your own routines through the Alexa app. It also provides templates for basic apps such as information for houseguests and game shows via the Alexa blueprints feature.

 Smart Devices = Electricity Savings 

Smart devices alloy you to set up appliances and lights on smart outlets. This helps maximize electricity savings, and most users find that they can reduce their home’s energy consumption. It’s easy to do, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy.

You can start by routing your major electronics through a smartplug. You don’t have to buy one for every room in your house immediately. Instead, start with one and monitor your energy consumption for several weeks. To identify the energy vampires in your house, you can use the Alexa Energy Dashboard app.

You may be surprised at how many power-hungry spots you have not noticed in your house. The Dashboard will help you make informed comparisons about your electric bill.

Many utilities have partnered with smart device companies to offer customers the option to use these devices to manage energy consumption in some additional innovative ways. Although smart outlets are an example of this, the options are growing.

Both Google and Alexa allows customers to use voice commands to control their thermostats, lighting and a variety of appliances. Similar programs are offered in partnership with Texas’ deregulated energy companies. If you can compare energy consumption and plans, you can make the best choices concerning your gas and electricity providers and use.

 Google “Action” 

Google’s actions are a new approach. Although the Google Assistant claims to have more than a million actions available, they include all queries from first- and second-party providers. It’s difficult to compare Alexa’s library with the best Google Assistant commands. Google’s integration with IFTTT is the best, allowing you to create custom actions without having to know programming.

 And he Winner is… The race was close in the end. Alexa pulled ahead of Google Assistant thanks to strong performance within the smart home, communications and areas. Google wasn’t a slouch and both are strong options, depending on the capabilities you choose. Both do well when it comes to general knowledge and extensibility. However, Alexa is the best choice if you need the most support for podcasts and music. Google Assistant may be better if you have multiple members of your household and each person needs their personal information through a smart speaker.