Smart Speakers: Smart Choice?
Carolina Parent|December 2019
Weighing the pros and cons of welcoming Alexa or Google Assistant into your home
Carolyn Caggia
Smart Speakers: Smart Choice?

The 1960s sci-fi TV series “Star Trek” introduced an array of futuristic gadgets, like a flip phone communicator, Uhura’s Bluetooth-esque earpiece and voice interface computers. Today we’ve adopted technology that was once the science fiction of the past — and we have even invited it into our own homes.

In the Clouds

Amazon introduced Alexa as part of its Amazon Echo line of smart speakers in 2014. Google Assistant, which was released in 2016 as part of the Google Home series, is another cloud-based service that can be accessed via smartphone or speakers, and features products ranging from the Google Home Mini to the Google Home Max. Apple’s HomePod speaker, released in 2017, allows users to tap into Siri’s vast knowledge without having to use an iPhone.

Users can interact with these virtual assistants by using their voice to request that they play music, check the weather and answer general questions. These products can also talk to other smart home devices to turn on the lights, change a home’s temperature and more. Interactions begin with an activation “wake word.” For Alexa, users might say:

“Alexa, what’s 5 times 2?”

“Alexa, set a timer for 10 minutes.”

“Alexa, play ‘Baby Shark’!”

Smart Benefits

Brian Gribbin of Saxapahaw, a father of two kids ages 10 and 12, says playing music is the most popular way his family uses Alexa.

“We pay the $1.99 a month and it gives you access to a never-ending ocean of music,” he says. “The kids love it, and we all like a different genre.”

He says using Alexa to play music brings the family together and makes chores more fun. “We have danced together in the kitchen while I rinse dishes and the kids fill the dishwasher,” he says.

Denne historien er fra December 2019-utgaven av Carolina Parent.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra December 2019-utgaven av Carolina Parent.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA CAROLINA PARENTSe alt
Helping Children Handle The Strongest Of Feelings
Carolina Parent

Helping Children Handle The Strongest Of Feelings

Helping children handle the strongest of feelings

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2019
7 Tips For Safe Holiday Online Shopping
Carolina Parent

7 Tips For Safe Holiday Online Shopping

7 Tips for safe holiday online shopping

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2019
The Joy Of Letters
Carolina Parent

The Joy Of Letters

I wish that joy could fill every moment of Jessie’s life, but children, like their parents, must overcome diffiulties. Two major challenges Jessie has faced in her young life come to mind.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2019
Smart Speakers: Smart Choice?
Carolina Parent

Smart Speakers: Smart Choice?

Weighing the pros and cons of welcoming Alexa or Google Assistant into your home

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2019
Helping Children Through Winter Holiday Routine Changes
Carolina Parent

Helping Children Through Winter Holiday Routine Changes

The festivities leading up to and during the winter holidays can bring about many changes and disruptions to a family’s routine. Some children take these changes in stride, while others may need extra support to manage the excitement of the season.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2019
5 Ways To Address A Bad Grade On Your College Application
Carolina Parent

5 Ways To Address A Bad Grade On Your College Application

“Bad” can be a very relative term, particularly when attached to high school grades.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2019
Bright Lights In Beaufort
Carolina Parent

Bright Lights In Beaufort

Historic homes adorned with red velvet bows, forest green garland wrapped around iconic Southern porches, and lights twinkling through windows are hallmarks of small-town holiday charm. Beaufort, named one of North Carolina’s

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2019
Modern Midwifery
Carolina Parent

Modern Midwifery

This traditional birthing option has evolved to meet the needs of today’s pregnant moms

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2019
Pumpkin Patches, Hayrides And Ghostly Gatherings
Carolina Parent

Pumpkin Patches, Hayrides And Ghostly Gatherings

Autumn is a glorious season in the Triangle. Visit a local farm to hop on a hayride, sip apple cider and find your way out of corn maze. Scare yourself silly in one of the area’s celebrated haunted houses, or venture down a dark trail to greet the undead. Explore our vast selection of fall offerings, from tame experiences to frightful festivities. Events requiring a fee, ticket or donation are marked with an asterisk. Check the daily calendar section for more seasonal fun.

time-read
10+ mins  |
October 2019
Hiking As A Family Benefits All Ages
Carolina Parent

Hiking As A Family Benefits All Ages

Hiking as a family benefits all ages.

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2019