What is a Smart Assistant?

The definition of a smart assistant is software that can perform tasks, answer questions, and control other devices through voice commands. For example, you can ask a smart assistant what the weather is or tell it to set a reminder for you. Smart assistants make using technology easier. This is why we want to introduce you to what smart assistants have to offer and what products are available for your home.

By the end of this lesson you will know the benefits of smart assistants, ones that are available and learn which devices come with a smart assistant built-in and which devices are compatible with smart assistants.

Benefits of smart assistants

Available smart assistants

Today there are 3 smart assistants on the market that you can choose from. Although they all work the same by allowing you to complete tasks through voice commands, they are built-in to different devices and products so it is important to know about each one so you can decide the smart assistant best suited for your home. The smart assistants that are available are Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri.

Alexa

How to use Alexa

To use Alexa all you have to say is “Alexa…” and then your command or question. For example:

Google Assistant

Google Assistant is the smart assistant developed by the company Google. Google Assistant is used on mobile and home automation devices. Like Alexa, Google Assistant comes built-in to Google devices but can also be downloaded on to third-party devices. Below are some examples of products that come with Google Assistant built-in:

How to use Google Assistant

To use Google Assistant all you have to do is say “Hey, Google” or “Ok, Google” and then your command or question. For example:

Siri

Siri is the smart assistant developed by the company Apple. Like Google and Alexa, Siri can be used to control mobile and home automation devices. The big difference is that Siri is only available on Apple devices. Below are a few examples of the Apple products that come with Siri built-in:

How to use Siri

To use Siri, all you have to do is say “Siri” and then say your command or ask your question. For example:

As you can see, there are many products that come with smart assistants built-in and there are many, many more out there. Aside from devices that come with a smart assistant built- in, there are devices that do not come with one built-in, however they still work with smart assistants. Let’s take a look at some products that are compatible with smart assistants.

Compatible with smart assistants

There are many products that are compatible with smart assistants. This means that even though they do not come with Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri built-in, they can still be set up to work with them. Below are some examples of smart home products that are compatible with smart assistants:

Smart Lights

Smart lights are an automated, energy-efficient lighting option featuring app-based control for easy operation at any time and from anywhere with accessible Wi-Fi. They allow you to customize the lighting in your home and control using your voice. A popular brand when it comes to smart lighting is Philips. Here are some examples of Philips products that are compatible with smart assistants:

Smart Security

Safety and security is the most important thing when it comes to our homes. Smart security products can provide you with peace of mind when you are away by allowing you to have complete control over your home. Below are some examples of smart security products that are compatible with smart assistants:

If you would like to learn more about these specific smart home products visit www.bestbuy.ca!