Post by Admin on Dec 30, 2019 23:58:44 GMT -5
I have had an Alexa Dot in the house for quite a while. (I find her/it stupid) With no access to Googles' vast knowledge she is little more than a weatherman and timer for us.
In full disclosure I also have recently aquired the Alexa enabled 4k Firestick, a Fire Tablet and an Alexa enabled Speaker for my Moto Z4 (just for the speaker but she/it answers when installed)
By the way the Moto Z4 is fantastic with the "mods". The wife has a JBL speaker, I have the Alexa speaker, Hasselad Camera and the Instashare Projector which is the best and most impressive of the bunch
While I am usually the guy supporting the underdog in tech fights, (see Beta tapes, Linux and OCNA) In this case I am going with Google on the home automation stuff. (Alexa was just convenient at the time and not a choice)
I know there are a couple Alexa users out there in the GCGC (they came up under contacts)
Right now Alexa is unplugged (I'll find a use later so that it will not go to waste)
I have installed the Google/Nest Thermostat, Have a Google Hub in the kitchen/Livingroom (with soon to be 3D printed swivel under cabinet mount), Mini in the office/Metal Shed Bar, Mini in the master, Phillips lights in the Office and Living Room. Soon to add plug controls for lights in the Master (too many LED bulbs to control otherwise).
Not so sure a doorbell is in the future but an outside camera is not out of the question. (not a fan of one indoors, I have nothing to watch there and don't need footage of what it might capture)
So... The question... Anybody else dabbling in this home automation stuff?
What do you use? How well does it work for you?
Has it been worth it to you? What was a waste?
Pitfalls?
Waste of effort/money?
Side note for energy conservation... Go to the ReStore (any of them) to purchase LED bulbs to replace those incandescent or even CFL's. Essentially a dollar a bulb, you can not beat that anywhere. They are provided by Duke Power and you can not even buy them from them at this price. Do not buy the light sensing exterior flood lights, they fail quickly. Everything else is excellent.
So tell me where have you been? Where should I go? What to avoid? Are you content at what level?
In full disclosure I also have recently aquired the Alexa enabled 4k Firestick, a Fire Tablet and an Alexa enabled Speaker for my Moto Z4 (just for the speaker but she/it answers when installed)
By the way the Moto Z4 is fantastic with the "mods". The wife has a JBL speaker, I have the Alexa speaker, Hasselad Camera and the Instashare Projector which is the best and most impressive of the bunch
While I am usually the guy supporting the underdog in tech fights, (see Beta tapes, Linux and OCNA) In this case I am going with Google on the home automation stuff. (Alexa was just convenient at the time and not a choice)
I know there are a couple Alexa users out there in the GCGC (they came up under contacts)
Right now Alexa is unplugged (I'll find a use later so that it will not go to waste)
I have installed the Google/Nest Thermostat, Have a Google Hub in the kitchen/Livingroom (with soon to be 3D printed swivel under cabinet mount), Mini in the office/Metal Shed Bar, Mini in the master, Phillips lights in the Office and Living Room. Soon to add plug controls for lights in the Master (too many LED bulbs to control otherwise).
Not so sure a doorbell is in the future but an outside camera is not out of the question. (not a fan of one indoors, I have nothing to watch there and don't need footage of what it might capture)
So... The question... Anybody else dabbling in this home automation stuff?
What do you use? How well does it work for you?
Has it been worth it to you? What was a waste?
Pitfalls?
Waste of effort/money?
Side note for energy conservation... Go to the ReStore (any of them) to purchase LED bulbs to replace those incandescent or even CFL's. Essentially a dollar a bulb, you can not beat that anywhere. They are provided by Duke Power and you can not even buy them from them at this price. Do not buy the light sensing exterior flood lights, they fail quickly. Everything else is excellent.
So tell me where have you been? Where should I go? What to avoid? Are you content at what level?