The two most popular Smart Home devices that you can purchase are Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Both of these devices are fantastic. But, the thing is, they both offer their own set of unique features and functions.
By reading through this guide, you will learn all about what those features and functions are. That way, you won’t have any problem figuring out which Smart Home device is right for you.
What Is The Amazon Alexa?
The Amazon Alexa is a product line that consists of various Smart Home devices. Each one of these devices makes use of Alexa, which is, essentially, a virtual assistant. To make use of Alexa, all you need to do is speak into your Amazon Alexa device and, by doing so, you can command Alexa to perform a wide variety of functions.
Right now, there are a plethora of Amazon Alexa devices available. All of these devices are fantastic – although each one’s a little different – and they make it incredibly easy to automate and accomplish all kinds of different tasks with tremendous ease!
What Is Google Home?
Google Home is, essentially, a hub that is meant to be used with Google Smart Home devices. Some of Google’s most popular Smart Home devices are the Chromecast and Nest Thermostat – among various others – and all of these devices are compatible with Google Home.
To make use of Google Home, all you must do is speak into your Google Home device. By doing so, you will then be able to command the various devices that your Google Home device is connected to. That way, you can turn on your Chromecast and turn up the thermostat, to name just two examples.
Even though Google Home is elaborate and quite powerful, it lacks the flexibility that Alexa offers. You are unable to perform many of the same functions that Alexa offers, and you have access to far fewer features.
For some, this lack of flexibility is fine. But, for others, who may be looking for an elaborate and effective Smart Home experience, the fact that Google Home is so inflexible may be a massive dealbreaker.
What Can Alexa Do That The Google Home Cannot?
Alexa is, as mentioned earlier, multifaceted and versatile. You can use Alexa to perform many different functions. Many of these functions cannot be performed with other Smart Home devices, which makes Alexa unique and incredibly effective.
Right away, the most unique function that Alexa offers is that of being able to install custom skills. Alexa comes with a certain set of skills, and you can use these skills to perform certain functions. But, if you want your Alexa device to perform other functions, functions that haven’t been built-in, you can download custom skills from online and install them onto your Alexa device.
Since you are able to install custom skills onto your Alexa, the possibilities are truly endless. Regardless of what function you would like Alexa to perform, there’s a strong chance that someone has already developed a skill for performing that exact function.
Even if there isn’t, there’s a good chance that someone will or, if you’re inclined to do so, that you can create a skill that allows Alexa to perform that function!
The second most unique function that Alexa offers is the ability to play music. Here’s the thing, you can use your Google Home device to play music, as well. But, you have access to fewer services and, as a result of this, the sheer volume of music that you can listen to is significantly less than that of Alexa.
Alexa, on the other hand, gives you easy access to many different music services, including Pandora, Apple Music, SiriusXM; and many more.
For those of you who don’t use Amazon very much, this next feature will be of no importance. For those of you who do use Amazon, however, you’ll find that being able to track your packages using your Alexa is a very nifty feature.
All you must do is speak into your Alexa device, and ask about the status of your packages. Upon doing so, Alexa will connect to the current package log and see where they are and when they’ll get to your home. You don’t even need to log into the website to do this!
The fourth unique function that Alexa offers is something known as “Whisper Mode”. Whisper Mode is a mode that allows you to speak into Alexa, at a whisper, and for Alexa to speak to you, also at a whisper. This mode is very useful if everyone around you is asleep, and you don’t want to wake them up.
Finally, the fifth unique function that Alexa offers, compared to Google Home, is that of enhanced security. All of the security features that Alexa offers are centered around “Alexa Guard”.
Alexa Guard is a piece of security software that uses the built-in microphone to detect suspicious sounds. Upon hearing a suspicious sound, Alexa listens in and determines if something is amiss or not.
The really nice thing about Alexa Guard, though, is that it’s far more than that. Alexa Guard can work directly with the other Smart Home devices that you have set-up. That way, if you want Alexa Guard to turn on lights every twenty-minutes, for example, you can do so.
In the end, Alexa offers far more than five unique functions that you won’t find on the Google Home device. Each one of these functions allows for an easier Smart Home experience, while also giving you more control and flexibility regarding how you use your Amazon Alexa device and what you are able to do with it.
What Can Google Home Do That Alexa Cannot?
The Google Home is, compared to Amazon Alexa, far less versatile and flexible. But, just because Google Home lacks the versatility and flexibility that Amazon Alexa offers, doesn’t mean it’s an inferior product.
Rather, Google Home is an excellent Smart Home device that offers a couple of very unique features that Alexa does not offer. If any of these features seem especially desirable to you, then there’s a good chance that Google Home may be the right Smart Home device for you.
To begin, the first unique function to be aware of is Chromecast functionality. The Google Chromecast is one of the most inexpensive Google Smart TV devices available. Not only is it inexpensive, though, it’s also quite versatile, letting you watch just about anything you want with tremendous ease. While using your Google Home device, you can turn your Chromecast on and off while also, depending on which Chromecast you own, activating certain services or platforms, so that you can watch your favorite movies and shows.
Even though Google Home offers fewer music services than Alexa, Google Home does offer a couple good ones. Making use of Google Home allows you to listen to music from Google Play Music and YouTube Music. You can’t access either of those with Alexa. Since Google Play Music and YouTube Music contain such vast libraries of music, having access to these two platforms is a fantastic feature to have if you love listening to good music.
Earlier, we mentioned that Google Home is compatible with Google Smart Home Devices. Some of those devices are compatible with Alexa. But, many of them are not, which means that the best way to control those devices with your voice is to pick up a Google Home device. With a Google Home device, you can control all of those devices with just your voice.
The fourth function to consider is that Google Home comes with two voices. A male voice, and a female voice. Both of these voices sound a bit similar to Alexa, but they don’t sound quite as robotic. For an experience that feels less robotic, while also letting you choose from different voices, the Google Home is a great Smart Home device to own.
Finally, the fifth unique function to be aware of is that Google Home is capable of engaging in conversations that feel, relatively speaking, natural. Much of this is due to the fantastic speech-recognition software that Google Home uses, as well as the various technologies that go into figuring out what you are saying and putting together a response. All of these technologies are very advanced, and they allow for dialogue and conversation that is far more natural and pleasant.
At the end of the day, Google Home offers less flexibility and versatility than Alexa. But, Google Home offers a fantastic experience in its own way and, depending on what you are looking for, the experience that Google Home offers may be what you are looking for.
Conclusion
In the end, both Amazon Alexa and Google Home are fantastic Smart Home devices. But, they’re both a little different. By considering what you need in a Smart Home device, and acknowledging the differences between the two devices, you won’t have any problems figuring out which device is right for you!
