I was a 100% Alexa home. The ads did me in. I replaced everything with Apple devices, and it is amazing. I have speakers all over the house for playing music, my Apple TV works with the speakers to give me better sound on my TV. I put a Home Bridge on my Synology NAS so I can keep using devices that don’t support Apple Home, and so I am 100% Apple Home, and I have zero regret. Your video is accurate, you can lose access to things and you will spend that Apple money to replace devices. My opinion is that it is worth it. I’m now in control of my home and it feels awesome!
I am glad to hear that the switch has worked out well for you. Thank you for sharing your experience and mentioning HomeBridge on a NAS. Someone is going to read your comment and run with Home Bridge. Thanks for watching.
I was using Google smart products but soon realized I was using all apple devices (phone, iPad, Mac, IWatch) and so switched over to all Apple home (have HomePods now in every room) along with Apple TV and love it.
I am glad to hear the switch has worked out well for you. It made sense to go with Google or Amazon in the beginning. Apple was dragging too far behind. Thanks for sharing your experience.
I’ve found Alexa can be programmed in ways lacking in HomeKit (such as fading in and out and waiting a certain amount of time before an action) and filling in the gaps for devices that do not work with HomeKit. I only have an Echo Dot to control lights and devices since I don’t have a HomePod and for some of the routines I can only do on Alexa. Would I prefer to do it all on just one ecosystem? Yes. But short of learning Home Assistant and buying a Pi to do it all on, I’ll deal with this dual setup until HK gets more robust with features. Ape, if you’re reading, a dedicated HK screen/tablet would be great too!
Home Assistant Green is another option. And Apple has stated in one of their recent events that they are going to be putting a lot into the Home over the next few years and developing/improving Home OS. It’s not perfect, but they are getting better.
I was huge on Alexa till all the ads. Slowing moved to Apple. But I still have the dots with the clock since the HomePods don’t have one. And the announcements are a little better on Alexa. So far. But I do like the Apple announcements at times since it goes to AirPods and such
I’ve literally, like yesterday switched almost completely to Apple. The only thing I’ve kept is the echo show 15 as that acts as a great photo frame and reminder with the occasional UA-cam video. If Apple were to have something to replace that, I’m all in.
Hi Craig. Thx for your videos. I'm so frustrated with Apple Homepod Mini because when I ask it "Hey Siri...." my iPhone or iPad in the same room answers. Is there a way to set the wake command different for the Homepod than for my other devices to prevent every device from answering? Thanks for any tips.
Unfortunately there is no way to change the wake word for the HomePods. HomePods are supposed to answer even when there are other devices in the room. But I have ran into the same problem. Personally, I will never call up Siri on my iPad or MacBook Pro. I turn those off in the settings so they can't respond. When it is just my phone and the HomePods in the room, majority of the times there is no issue. The only other work around I can think about if you want to use Siri on other devices is to go into your Apple device settings and change the listen for to "Hey Siri". Then you could bring up your HomePod by saying "Siri" if you want to talk to other devices, say "Hey Siri".
@@CraigsTechTalk Thank you thank you! Such a good point, I don’t use Siri voice on iPad or MacBook Pro, so turn off those voice recognitions altogether (and save battery, I presume). Then if I can customize the wake work on all my Apple devices to “Hey Siri” which I’m familiar with bc I say “Hey Google” many times a day lol and my HomePod will just remain “Siri”. I’ll try it! Thank you!
My kids can recite Siri’s standard phrase “I found some web results I can show them if you ask from your iPhone.” 😅 At least I don’t feel like I am being spied on.
You can combine an Apple home with SONOS too. No you can not do Siri voice assistant on them but you can have Siri pay music on them, play pause stop etc.
Yea I have Sonos and your request is processed locally on your Sonos product. Your audio data is not recorded, transcribed, or sent to the cloud. I was wonder can the home pod be programmed in the morning so that when you say good morning, it will play the weather and then jump to your personal radio station?
Having switched to Home kit I found it perfect for a smart home automation We keep and Alexa for folks who want to request differ music from different sources
I’m 99% Apple home, except I got into ring for my outdoor cameras due to the promise of coming compatibility. It never came but I find Ring cameras to be very solid. I have them integrated in Apple home via homebridge and do pay for a the subscription which has paid off in warranty support. All indoor cameras are HKSV cameras. Apple home is the way to go!
I'm an android user that has an old iPad and switched from Alexa about 3 months ago. Next time I get a phone, I'll be switching as well for improved privacy.
Hi pretty interesting video thank you! Wanted to ask, with an Apple TV 4K, is it the same as HomePod with obvious difference that does not have voice control? Probably in that case you just can do that from the iPhone (I guess). Once I tried playing a certain playlist on a samsung sound bar already present in homekit and it answered I needed an hub like homepod or Apple TV - then I guess with those would work. EDIT: not talking about AirPlay toward the speakers, I already do that. This is about giving specific voice commands to then play a specific playlist on that sound bar.
I would love to make the switch to Apple as I am pretty deep in that ecosystem but the lack of device support kills it for me. My cameras, my locks and a lot of my bulbs do not support homekit and that's a lot to replace to start over. I also really don't have a big issue with echos as all but one of mine have no screen.
My suggestion for anyone curious about Apple Home is to get a HomePod Mini when they are on sale or at Costco / Sam’s Club. I run both echos and HomePods side by side. I use the HomePod in the Kitchen primarily to add items to my Grocery or Costco list. I love that I can set reminders with voice and access my Apple Music. It’s a good way to test the waters and gives you the Apple tools that Echos don’t have. I have been a dual assistant house since the HomePods came out. The HomePods weren’t worth much for years. Thanks for watching.
I have a lot of cheaper bulbs that I bought simply because I wanted to turn them on and off with voice commands. They are not compatible with HomeKit. I've heard there's a limit to the number of Hue bulbs I can use. Is that still the case? If so, what options do I have? I have approximately 50 smart bulbs today with hopes to get about 80 bulbs in total..
Hi Craig… you’re awesome! Thanks for your wonderful videos; they’re so clear and enlightening. I started out with Alexa and the free bulbs too, but now I’m moving everything over to HomeKit via Home Assistant, which I’ve set up on a Synology NAS with Docker. So far, the only thing I’ve switched is the lights-I’ve gone with Nanoleaf on Thread (instantaneous!)-while I’m still using everything else through Home Assistant but always with Siri on the iPhone, including vacuum and Sony TV! I just need to decide whether to get an actual HomePod or a couple of HomePod mini :-) Do you know if any hardware updates are coming soon? THANKS!
Great knowledge…I chose to go with off brand smart lights when I finished my basement that were Alexa compatible and overall happy with them. There was a very limited selection of smart lights that were compatible with Apple HomeKit. Is there a better selection these days with lights that are compatible??Would like to try a HomePod. Apple person all the way. Have the basic Alexa Dots for my smart lights now and they do the job.
Thanks Craig, I have been with apple for awhile now after asking alexa multiple times to do something . I am excited to see where apple is going to go. Love Apple music.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I am with you seeing where Apple goes with this. Rumors looks like Apple may start taking the smart home seriously. We have all seen what happens when they get serious. Perfect example is the AirPods.
Hey Greg! As always great explained, as an Alexa user, that means that if your internet fails, all your lights won't turn on because the apple hub still going to control them? I got frustrated to get awake to turn them off at 2am.
I have a Homepod Mini connected to my Mac Mini for sound. The pod constantly drops the connection. Not sure Apple integration really can describe this situation. Do not recommend using a homepod at all.
Hey Craig do home pod minis sound better than the echos my Alexa speakers were not reallydoing much for me anymore so I got rid of them thinking about homepods minis to start with
I think the HomePod minis sound better than echo dots. But the full size echo sounds better than the mini. The mini has 1 speaker verses 2 tweeters and 1 woofer in a full size Echo. Mini verses dot, I would pick the mini for sound.
I just wanna device that I can turn the lights on and off and I had a very hard time trying to find any type of information on how to do a feature. It’s also very difficult to set up. I bought one Wi-Fi adapter and it would not connect up to Siri would not turn it off
If I use an iPad and download the ring app on there, wouldn’t that work? Not like it would be connected to a google or echo, but I feel like I would go with an Apple home and just deal with my ring doorbell not connecting to an Apple hub. I’m having a hard time deciding which home HUB to use for my home.
My number #1 reason for keeping Alexa is to get audible alerts when my Ring cameras go off. Can this be done with Apple? As far as I know Ring and Apple are not compatible
I know this is targeted for a specific audience, but for anyone willing to put just a little more work, there's Home Assistant. Has everything Apple and Amazon has, and so much more. The only con is that you have to be a bit more technically inclined. And for what it's worth, the technical ceiling is much, much lower than it used to be since Matter/Thread has become a thing. In fact, you can run Apple HomeKit and Home Assistant side by side.
this is what I have been working with. I have apple devices, but many of my switches and smart bulbs are not apple compatible. I really like using sensors with HA, Flume water just saved me a ton of money with a water leak in a super silent toto toilet. Good advice.
I was going to switch fully to homepods for better privacy but they require an iphone for configuring. Super disappointed but not suprised coming from walled garden apple
Did you see the article about how Alexa is a huge money loss for Amazon? They had a new lead basically tell the device team that they had to prove that they could be profitable otherwise their project got cut. So I’m assuming this is why they are putting adds on their devices now.
@ I’m currently in the middle of a move and we sold all our Alexa stuff with our house. I’ve been disappointed with Alexa with all the adds and stuff and have been waiting for HomeKit to get some better devices before switching. Maybe now that Siri is getting an upgrade they’ll start to upgrade the HomeKit devices. 🤷
I don’t know I really only use my Amazon items to control lights and add items to shopping lists. I really don’t see the big move to Apple mainly for the price. I am an Apple phone owner with a couple of iPads but I also have Apple TV but I also have ring so not sure if this would be a good move for me. But I must say I believe Apple items are way over priced and you might say I’m being cheap but if you think I am that’s fine but instead of purchasing the iPhone 16 I’m waiting for the se 4 which is a great phone and about half the price. Thanks for your videos
I can appreciate what you are saying about not switching. So much of it comes down to use case. Using Ring is a good example. As for Apple pricing, they are crazy. The one thing you know you will get is a solid product that is going to hold up over the years. Like the SE 4 you're waiting for. It will be a fast phone, with a good screen and camera.
I want to make the switch but I think I will wait a bit until the HomePod gets AI which hopefully happen soon. I agree with you about Alexa which I have throughout every room in my house. The hardest part to convert to Apple is that I am not sure my smart switches are compatible since I have had them for a number of years. I will probably start with our living room TV where I plan on getting two HomePods to work with my Apple TV. Thanks for making this video.
I'm not deep in the apple system, but I definitely want to move away from my Echo devices. Could you please offer "smart speaker" suggestions that work with Home Assistant??? Please?
I am getting to the point where I am fed up with smart home tech. Apple is a good option, but Siri lets it down massively, but Alexa can be just as bad. I am not going into the details as it I have Tapo Matter Smart plugs, one of them is on a 10w desk light and I have a nanoleaf bulb in a reading lamp. When I tell Siri reading light on it switches on both these lights. Any table , desk, or reading light with the word light will get switched on. It is an absolute waste having to change bulbs, led lights, smart plugs etc… so they will work with one or the other smart home assistants. What happened to cutting down on our E waste? Plus I find I am getting fed up of repeating what I want doing 2 or 3 times, or getting a action that I didn’t ask for. As the led bulbs, smart plugs, contact sensors fail these will not be replaced. I have become so bored of all the problems with it.
Apple is almost there. They need assistants with screens. Once the do that, I will replace all my Alexa devices. I’m over the ads too, but I like how I can view cameras etc with my Alexa.
If I was in the apple eco system with more devices other than just my phone, the apple smart home would have been at the top of my list. However my budget is more limited so I went with Echo, Google was a sad third on my options. Great info as always.
Thank you very much. I appreciate you sharing your experience. I am with you on Google being the sad third. I have no interest in covering Google. Thanks for watching.
(hoping that yet another comment doesnt vanish.....)! Did the switch to HomePods and totally agree the Apple Home app is the way to go. I wont buy any new devices that arent Matter or Apple Home certified. HomePod and Siri software is, however, shocking sometimes. Very Un-Apple when it doesnt respond or does the wrong thing and dont get me started on multi room music. My advice is Buy and Apple TV(fantastic device) for the hub fill your home with cheap Sonos Symfonisk speakers which make a fine Apple Home Airplay 2 system... and as long as you carry your iPhone with you or have an Apple Watch on your wrist... you can always call up Siri from any room.
I have both Amazon and Apple devices and they both control the same lights and other things. Since they both go brain-dead every so often for reasons unknown, I simply command the other device to perform the function. I will say that Amazon devices are quicker. Apple devices seem to call back to the mothership to perform even simple daily tasks. Despite what Apple claims, the processing is not done locally. My advice is keep them both. Keep in mind, they both suck if you unplug the Internet and they both suck if you have devices on separate networks.
In contrast, I have encountered significant issues with Siri’s performance on my Apple devices. Despite owning five HomePod minis, none of them have been functioning optimally. I have thoroughly investigated the matter and concluded that the problem lies not with my usage or expectations but rather with the inherent design flaws of the devices. Siri consistently fails to recognize users, misinterprets requests, and encounters numerous technical difficulties. Consequently, I wish I could return my purchase, as I would have avoided it altogether if I had been aware of the substantial limitations in their functionality, particularly in performing basic tasks such as playing music.
I switched my Echo to a Spot but I also have a HomePod mini. I have to run a smart bulb from a BlueTooth app on my iPhone because the kind of WiFi we have isn't compatible with a voice assistant, something like they only work on 2.4Ghz and we have 5Ghz. I ask Siri to tell me something and it says it can't connect to my phone. I ask Alexa and I get everything I wanted to know
That is odd. I am trying to think what would give the can't connect to my phone response. I am sorry to hear they have not worked out well for you. Most routers support both 2.4ghz and 5ghz at the same time. Routers and devices are supposed to connect to 2.4ghz automatically. I have had a couple of devices over the years that would not connect because it would see the 5ghz too. But most devices I have used on my channel are connecting to my router that is broadcasting both 2.4ghz and 5ghz. They all have said 2.4ghz network only. If you haven't tried connecting it yet, I would give it a shot using it with your existing router as is. If it doesn't work, it would fall into that
my Alexa is constantly not listening or just straight out telling me she can't do something while she does it. SHE constantly messes up and its so frustrating because I've put a lot of money in my smart home FOR SOMETHING THAT JUST WORKS OCCASIONALLY I'm thinking about switching to HomePod but waiting to the AI model that has to be coming soon!! any help meanwhile would be much appreciated!!
I was all Alexa. Then... the ads. OH, the ads. I literally tossed my Echo Shows in the trash. Except for one -- The Echo Spot. Not the new one that is a glorified alarm clock radio. I'm talking about the original Echo Spots -- the round boys that had a screen, camera, and was one of the best nightstand clocks I've ever had. The cool thing about those older Echo Spots is that a few years ago they all started to suffer from this stuttering visual glitch. This frustrated many users... and they upgraded. I often wonder if this gitch was built into an update on purpose, as most users experienced this "issue" around the same time frame, give or take. Most people traded in those old Spots... but I kept mine. Skip forward a year, or two, and guess what? Those visual glitches that plagued the original Spots are GONE... and not it functions exactly as it did when I bought it. Why am I saying all this? Well... because the branch of the Echo operating system that drives the old Spot displays is not designed to take the advertisements... so it's an Echo "Show" (only circular) that doesn't push those horrid ads that all the regular Shows display all the time. Sure, it's still annoying to have Alexa constantly try to plug things with follow-ups such as ".... by the way, would you like... blah blah blah". No. NO. NOOO! I don't want ANY of those things. Shut up!! I like the ability to "Drop In" on my Alexa devices. I use them to contact my kids while I'm not within shouting distance, or just check in on the house while I'm away (almost like a security cam). Outside of Drop-In and the ability to create great routines... a lot of Amazon's devices are just clunky, and slow, and limited. I think the most logical step away from Amazon would be Google. They have decent routines, have the BEST results with search results and conversations. They don't have drop-in... but whatever. While most of our home users are Apple users (Mac laptops, desktops, iPhones, and Apple Watches) I'm just not a fan of Siri. I think Siri used to be cool (just like how Apple's autocorrect featured USED to be good)... but today the autocorrect will get you fired at work and Siri is about as useless as eating Hacky Sacks with pancakes. Unless you're asking Siri to add "two plus two" you're likely to get a response of "I've found some items on the web you might be interested in." Really? REALLY? You found some web pages for me to look at based on my request, but can't give me a verbal resolution to my request? When I want to use Siri is when my hands are tied -- such as when I'm driving, or walking in a hurry, or when I'm otherwise unable to lift my phone out of my pocket and strike a virtual keyboard with my thumbs. Siri isn't fast. If I'm ask my desktop I can Google-search or ChatGPT search faster than asking Siri. Only with the Google/ChatGPT searches I'll get the results I want. With Siri it's, "Hey Siri... I'm driving at 100 MPH to try an outrun these cops. Can you tell me how far away the next off ramp is?" and she'll wait a while before informing you that she's found a bunch of search results for web pages that you may or may not be interested in culling through to decide for yourself if she did a better job at Google searching that you could have. Useless. Technology that makes things harder or more frustrating isn't very interesting to me. At least Alexa would give me a straight up answer, even if she informed me that she didn't know or didn't have a good answer. I'll accept that. Siri is only interested in distracting me from driving so I can try to flip through a dozen different web pages on my Apple Watch that she found about something I asked while driving and now I'm subject to crash. That said, Apple does have a clean speaker for music. But I was never unhappy with Alexa or Google when it came to sound quality. Anyway -- thanks for your videos and perspective. Your last video was the straw that caused me to toss my other Show devices. I don't miss them one bit. My iPhone has nightstand mode, so now I just set an alarm and listen to a music album while drifting to sleep. Naturally I set the alarm manually, as when I asked Siri she just claimed to have found a bunch of information on the web I might be interested in. Goodnight. :)
I have not had any luck with my HomePod. I cannot find a HomePod that can hook up to my light so I can basically say please turn off the light whatever your name is. I have a background in IT and I’m gonna say this out loud, the Alexa app was so much easier so far if anybody has any good information on what type of switches work best for the HomePod please reach out to me with a message. Thank you very much
I am hoping the announcements this week include a new Apple Home hub with a design feature similar to an Echo Show. That may, however, obviate several sections of this video!
I've nearly fully jumped ship, I've only got a Alexa Yamaha soundbar and Fire TV 4K Max left to go, maybe I'm jumping out of the frying pan into the Google fire? Never really been an Apple fan, the only devices l had were an iPod and iPod touch and an old Apple TV with HD (because it could be hacked 😉!) I've always preferred the ability to tinker rather than have it behind a walled garden. Using Home Assistant alongside Google Home thankfully meets all of my requirements.
Thanks for sharing Rusty. I can see Google being a better option than Amazon at this point. The Nest Hubs still have the best looking and performing interface. They respond quick to touch and no ads. It make sense if your team Android and PC. Going Google devices gives you some good tinkering features and integration Amazon is going to give. Thanks for watching.
If you’ve got Alexa screens - presently - get and keep both ( Calenders and Weather AND countdown timers linked to smart devices n plugs). If you have a Broadlink (RF & IR) you can link them to APPLE shortcuts WITHOUT an Apple hub. If you have Hom Assistant and add the Home Bridge is fairly easy to bring non apple devices onto your iPhone. No ZIGBEE but sideways access via hubs that share Matter Aqara. Finally, it’s like Pokémon get em all! Me I advocate “ The Janky Hybrid” model use them wisely enjoy the benefits of all and react when major things change and winners and losers emerge
I'm starting to get sick of Amazon's BS devices. One example- i just wanna hear "Ode to my Car" by Adam Sandler. Alexa says she can't play it while explicit filter is on. Then tells me how to turn it off. I tell her to turn it off. She confirms that it's off. I ask her to play the same song. She tells me she can't because explicit filter is on.. 🤦🏼♂️ I went into the app, and saw that the filter is actually disabled. 🤦🏿♂️🤦🏿♀️🤦
Now that you are seeming migrating Ofer to Apple, I have a request. Can you uses your sources to communicate how literally limited and useless they have made CarPlay. Maybe you can do a video on it. I’ve waited more than a decade to get a car that had CarPlay and overall it’s been a big disappointment and not the Apple I knew from the iPhone, iPad, and Mac world. There are many more feature and function improvements needed. When you spend over $50k on a car and get the high trim level, you expect the best. CarPlay is not even close. OK rant over. Thanks! Your 300th sub! Lol
Anyone who is already using Apple products will not be concerned with cost!! For the last 50 years I've known one thing well, Apple does not play well/or at all with PC, Windows, or Android. That might not be entirely true today, but I'm not going to test it. Amazon has been in my face more and more. What about Google Home? Is that still a thing? I have an old Google speaker, somewhere. It did not impress me years ago. What adds? I don't use any Show devices, I guess they're for video phone calls? Is that where the adds are? I was able to switch off the "by the way..."
You cannot turn off cards that have “sponsored” in the corner. Those are ads paid for by companies to Amazon. Amazon does not allow you to turn those off. You can only turn off home content. That is what you are doing. If you are not seeing ads, just wait. Advertising is live in the US and Canada.
My echos really piss me off from not listening to me correctly or just ignoring me I’ve though about switching but I’m the only one with a iPhone and the other people in my house don’t care about these things so I don’t wanna get google home idk what do anymore I just wish I didn’t spend money on having a echo show in every room in my home 😩
What about just portable Bluetooth speaker for us poor boys. I have been using Apple Music on Alexa speakers because APPLE MUSIC is better than Amazon. My Amazon speakers were hacked an I just don't want that to happen again.
I so want to be an apple homepod user but at the moment Siri can be so dumb. I'm really hoping apple intelligence comes to them soon to make me migrate away from google. Please apple hurry up.
I hate Alexa, but I am too invested in them. I do not have any apple products because I have no right to repair. Besides, the nearest apple store is over 50 miles round trip. Ain't going to happen. Whatever happened to Claude Ai?
Thank you for sharing your experience and for watching this video. I can appreciate what you are saying. Good question, where is Claude. Everything was pointing to an end of October event or release of Claude.
Amazon echo devices are horrible. If you use an iPhone it seems like bait and switch that Amazon devices would make it so incredibly difficult to use them. Horrible! I am returning this shit to Amazon.
Very timely. One of my clients has both devices, and I was trying to figure out which one would be more of a benefit to a senior. I agree with you about the HomePod, not having a screen of some sort. Apple’s definitely lacking with that. They need to add a screen then I’ll consider purchasing one.
Personally, for seniors I think the Echos are the way to go. They are so open and easy to use. Plus so many people use them it's easy to get help. Hopefully in the spring we will finally see a HomePod with a screen. Sounds like Apple may actually get serious about the smart home.
Long time Alexa user here. Ironically I made the leap To Seri less than 24 hours ago. Within two hours of receiving the HomePod and bulbs I was able to do more; easier than with Alexa after many years. Happy camper. Thanks for the work producing your videos.
Nope 👎, I don’t want Apple to open up more, then it wouldn’t be Apple. It’d be what the EU are trying to force/dictate. I trust Apple, for privacy and quality and ease of use, etc.
I am with you on opening up like they are being forced too. But I do like seeing the forward progress with UA-cam music being added. If they could get more services and apps to play along. Definitely don't let the EU break what is great about Apple.
That is why there is always the option for the security and privacy of Google and Amazon. That way your information is yours and safe. I hope you are doing well Bob. It is good to see you in the comments. Hopefully we will see you at a livestream soon.
Thanks for sharing. Nice thing about going Google is that it brings more of that native integration with Android. Similar to some of the benefits of the HomePods for Apple users.
Ótimo vídeo! Antes de trocar Alexa pelo Siri, é bom saber as diferenças reais entre eles. Você explicou muito bem as vantagens e limitações de cada um, especialmente no que diz respeito à integração e compatibilidade com dispositivos. Esse tipo de comparação é essencial para quem está pensando em mudar. Obrigado por compartilhar!"
Thank you very much. I appreciate you saying this. My goal was to hopefully give enough advantages of each to be helpful. Thank you for your comment and watching.
I was a 100% Alexa home. The ads did me in. I replaced everything with Apple devices, and it is amazing. I have speakers all over the house for playing music, my Apple TV works with the speakers to give me better sound on my TV. I put a Home Bridge on my Synology NAS so I can keep using devices that don’t support Apple Home, and so I am 100% Apple Home, and I have zero regret. Your video is accurate, you can lose access to things and you will spend that Apple money to replace devices. My opinion is that it is worth it. I’m now in control of my home and it feels awesome!
I am glad to hear that the switch has worked out well for you. Thank you for sharing your experience and mentioning HomeBridge on a NAS. Someone is going to read your comment and run with Home Bridge. Thanks for watching.
I was using Google smart products but soon realized I was using all apple devices (phone, iPad, Mac, IWatch) and so switched over to all Apple home (have HomePods now in every room) along with Apple TV and love it.
I am glad to hear the switch has worked out well for you. It made sense to go with Google or Amazon in the beginning. Apple was dragging too far behind. Thanks for sharing your experience.
I am so far down the Alexa rabbit hole - but yes the ads on the Shows can be frustrating, but you can always look away 😭
I’ve found Alexa can be programmed in ways lacking in HomeKit (such as fading in and out and waiting a certain amount of time before an action) and filling in the gaps for devices that do not work with HomeKit.
I only have an Echo Dot to control lights and devices since I don’t have a HomePod and for some of the routines I can only do on Alexa. Would I prefer to do it all on just one ecosystem? Yes. But short of learning Home Assistant and buying a Pi to do it all on, I’ll deal with this dual setup until HK gets more robust with features. Ape, if you’re reading, a dedicated HK screen/tablet would be great too!
Home Assistant Green is another option. And Apple has stated in one of their recent events that they are going to be putting a lot into the Home over the next few years and developing/improving Home OS. It’s not perfect, but they are getting better.
I was huge on Alexa till all the ads. Slowing moved to Apple. But I still have the dots with the clock since the HomePods don’t have one. And the announcements are a little better on Alexa. So far. But I do like the Apple announcements at times since it goes to AirPods and such
I’ve literally, like yesterday switched almost completely to Apple. The only thing I’ve kept is the echo show 15 as that acts as a great photo frame and reminder with the occasional UA-cam video. If Apple were to have something to replace that, I’m all in.
Hi Craig. Thx for your videos. I'm so frustrated with Apple Homepod Mini because when I ask it "Hey Siri...." my iPhone or iPad in the same room answers. Is there a way to set the wake command different for the Homepod than for my other devices to prevent every device from answering? Thanks for any tips.
Thanks for asking the question. Mine has been sitting unplugged for months because of that very irritating issue.
Unfortunately there is no way to change the wake word for the HomePods. HomePods are supposed to answer even when there are other devices in the room. But I have ran into the same problem. Personally, I will never call up Siri on my iPad or MacBook Pro. I turn those off in the settings so they can't respond. When it is just my phone and the HomePods in the room, majority of the times there is no issue.
The only other work around I can think about if you want to use Siri on other devices is to go into your Apple device settings and change the listen for to "Hey Siri". Then you could bring up your HomePod by saying "Siri" if you want to talk to other devices, say "Hey Siri".
@@CraigsTechTalk Thank you thank you! Such a good point, I don’t use Siri voice on iPad or MacBook Pro, so turn off those voice recognitions altogether (and save battery, I presume). Then if I can customize the wake work on all my Apple devices to “Hey Siri” which I’m familiar with bc I say “Hey Google” many times a day lol and my HomePod will just remain “Siri”. I’ll try it! Thank you!
My kids can recite Siri’s standard phrase “I found some web results I can show them if you ask from your iPhone.” 😅
At least I don’t feel like I am being spied on.
🤣 Love it. Any HomePod users definitely know that response. Thanks for watching and sharing.
You can combine an Apple home with SONOS too. No you can not do Siri voice assistant on them but you can have Siri pay music on them, play pause stop etc.
I made the switch a few months ago and never looked back! The Home Pods just work better than the Echos ever did!!
Apple is by far better especially in the streaming box world. NO ADS and a simple UI.
No ads...yet.
Yea I have Sonos and your request is processed locally on your Sonos product. Your audio data is not recorded, transcribed, or sent to the cloud. I was wonder can the home pod be programmed in the morning so that when you say good morning, it will play the weather and then jump to your personal radio station?
Having switched to Home kit I found it perfect for a smart home automation
We keep and Alexa for folks who want to request differ music from different sources
I’m 99% Apple home, except I got into ring for my outdoor cameras due to the promise of coming compatibility. It never came but I find Ring cameras to be very solid. I have them integrated in Apple home via homebridge and do pay for a the subscription which has paid off in warranty support. All indoor cameras are HKSV cameras. Apple home is the way to go!
I'm an android user that has an old iPad and switched from Alexa about 3 months ago. Next time I get a phone, I'll be switching as well for improved privacy.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I am glad to hear that the iPad and HomePods have worked for you. I hope you enjoy the iPhone when the time comes.
Hi pretty interesting video thank you! Wanted to ask, with an Apple TV 4K, is it the same as HomePod with obvious difference that does not have voice control? Probably in that case you just can do that from the iPhone (I guess). Once I tried playing a certain playlist on a samsung sound bar already present in homekit and it answered I needed an hub like homepod or Apple TV - then I guess with those would work.
EDIT: not talking about AirPlay toward the speakers, I already do that. This is about giving specific voice commands to then play a specific playlist on that sound bar.
I would love to make the switch to Apple as I am pretty deep in that ecosystem but the lack of device support kills it for me. My cameras, my locks and a lot of my bulbs do not support homekit and that's a lot to replace to start over. I also really don't have a big issue with echos as all but one of mine have no screen.
My suggestion for anyone curious about Apple Home is to get a HomePod
Mini when they are on sale or at Costco / Sam’s Club.
I run both echos and HomePods side by side. I use the HomePod in the Kitchen primarily to add items to my Grocery or Costco list. I love that I can set reminders with voice and access my Apple Music.
It’s a good way to test the waters and gives you the Apple tools that Echos don’t have. I have been a dual assistant house since the HomePods came out. The HomePods weren’t worth much for years. Thanks for watching.
My bedroom show 5 I got rid of and went with HomePod and love it. Soon the rest of the house
I have a lot of cheaper bulbs that I bought simply because I wanted to turn them on and off with voice commands. They are not compatible with HomeKit. I've heard there's a limit to the number of Hue bulbs I can use. Is that still the case? If so, what options do I have? I have approximately 50 smart bulbs today with hopes to get about 80 bulbs in total..
I like my homepod mini, but I can’t use it much after I upgraded my iPhone and it is on a 6E network. They need to be on the same network band.
Hi Craig… you’re awesome! Thanks for your wonderful videos; they’re so clear and enlightening.
I started out with Alexa and the free bulbs too, but now I’m moving everything over to HomeKit via Home Assistant, which I’ve set up on a Synology NAS with Docker.
So far, the only thing I’ve switched is the lights-I’ve gone with Nanoleaf on Thread (instantaneous!)-while I’m still using everything else through Home Assistant but always with Siri on the iPhone, including vacuum and Sony TV!
I just need to decide whether to get an actual HomePod or a couple of HomePod mini :-)
Do you know if any hardware updates are coming soon?
THANKS!
Great knowledge…I chose to go with off brand smart lights when I finished my basement that were Alexa compatible and overall happy with them. There was a very limited selection of smart lights that were compatible with Apple HomeKit. Is there a better selection these days with lights that are compatible??Would like to try a HomePod. Apple person all the way. Have the basic Alexa Dots for my smart lights now and they do the job.
Thanks Craig, I have been with apple for awhile now after asking alexa multiple times to do something . I am excited to see where apple is going to go. Love Apple music.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I am with you seeing where Apple goes with this. Rumors looks like Apple may start taking the smart home seriously. We have all seen what happens when they get serious. Perfect example is the AirPods.
Hey Greg! As always great explained, as an Alexa user, that means that if your internet fails, all your lights won't turn on because the apple hub still going to control them? I got frustrated to get awake to turn them off at 2am.
I have a Homepod Mini connected to my Mac Mini for sound. The pod constantly drops the connection. Not sure Apple integration really can describe this situation. Do not recommend using a homepod at all.
Hey Craig do home pod minis sound better than the echos my Alexa speakers were not reallydoing much for me anymore so I got rid of them thinking about homepods minis to start with
I think the HomePod minis sound better than echo dots. But the full size echo sounds better than the mini. The mini has 1 speaker verses 2 tweeters and 1 woofer in a full size Echo. Mini verses dot, I would pick the mini for sound.
Hi Craig, need a screen for ring cameras/doorbell. Any alternatives to echo screens?
I have 6 HomePod minis and 2 HomePod 2nd gen and love and use them daily with all my other Apple and Beats by Dre devices!
Have you checked out the Lenovo Smart Clock Essentials?
I just wanna device that I can turn the lights on and off and I had a very hard time trying to find any type of information on how to do a feature. It’s also very difficult to set up. I bought one Wi-Fi adapter and it would not connect up to Siri would not turn it off
Can you use something like Adguard to block the ads?
no you cannot. There is no way to load anything on to the Echo Shows for that.
‘Walled Times Square’ is a genius take 👌
Thanks Gareth. I am going to show my wife this comment so she knows I am not full of it when I say I am a genius. Have a great weekend my friend.
@@CraigsTechTalk I suspect it’s much more likely she’ll just decide I’m also full of it 🤣 Take it easy my friend
If I use an iPad and download the ring app on there, wouldn’t that work? Not like it would be connected to a google or echo, but I feel like I would go with an Apple home and just deal with my ring doorbell not connecting to an Apple hub. I’m having a hard time deciding which home HUB to use for my home.
Yes you can use the ring app on an iPad or phone. I have been sticking with the phone app for years. I don’t need mine in Apple home.
@ thank you!
thank you for this one. i’m building my apple home. Quality over quantity
My number #1 reason for keeping Alexa is to get audible alerts when my Ring cameras go off. Can this be done with Apple? As far as I know Ring and Apple are not compatible
I know this is targeted for a specific audience, but for anyone willing to put just a little more work, there's Home Assistant. Has everything Apple and Amazon has, and so much more. The only con is that you have to be a bit more technically inclined. And for what it's worth, the technical ceiling is much, much lower than it used to be since Matter/Thread has become a thing. In fact, you can run Apple HomeKit and Home Assistant side by side.
this is what I have been working with. I have apple devices, but many of my switches and smart bulbs are not apple compatible. I really like using sensors with HA, Flume water just saved me a ton of money with a water leak in a super silent toto toilet. Good advice.
I was going to switch fully to homepods for better privacy but they require an iphone for configuring. Super disappointed but not suprised coming from walled garden apple
Did you see the article about how Alexa is a huge money loss for Amazon? They had a new lead basically tell the device team that they had to prove that they could be profitable otherwise their project got cut. So I’m assuming this is why they are putting adds on their devices now.
It is amazing how much money they have lost. It's just disappointing ads were the only way they found to get profitable. Thanks for watching.
@ I’m currently in the middle of a move and we sold all our Alexa stuff with our house. I’ve been disappointed with Alexa with all the adds and stuff and have been waiting for HomeKit to get some better devices before switching. Maybe now that Siri is getting an upgrade they’ll start to upgrade the HomeKit devices. 🤷
I don’t know I really only use my Amazon items to control lights and add items to shopping lists. I really don’t see the big move to Apple mainly for the price. I am an Apple phone owner with a couple of iPads but I also have Apple TV but I also have ring so not sure if this would be a good move for me. But I must say I believe Apple items are way over priced and you might say I’m being cheap but if you think I am that’s fine but instead of purchasing the iPhone 16 I’m waiting for the se 4 which is a great phone and about half the price. Thanks for your videos
I can appreciate what you are saying about not switching. So much of it comes down to use case. Using Ring is a good example. As for Apple pricing, they are crazy. The one thing you know you will get is a solid product that is going to hold up over the years. Like the SE 4 you're waiting for. It will be a fast phone, with a good screen and camera.
I want to make the switch but I think I will wait a bit until the HomePod gets AI which hopefully happen soon. I agree with you about Alexa which I have throughout every room in my house. The hardest part to convert to Apple is that I am not sure my smart switches are compatible since I have had them for a number of years. I will probably start with our living room TV where I plan on getting two HomePods to work with my Apple TV. Thanks for making this video.
I'm not deep in the apple system, but I definitely want to move away from my Echo devices. Could you please offer "smart speaker" suggestions that work with Home Assistant??? Please?
Almost all of them work with HA. Googles and Apples do for sure.
I am getting to the point where I am fed up with smart home tech. Apple is a good option, but Siri lets it down massively, but Alexa can be just as bad. I am not going into the details as it I have Tapo Matter Smart plugs, one of them is on a 10w desk light and I have a nanoleaf bulb in a reading lamp. When I tell Siri reading light on it switches on both these lights. Any table , desk, or reading light with the word light will get switched on. It is an absolute waste having to change bulbs, led lights, smart plugs etc… so they will work with one or the other smart home assistants. What happened to cutting down on our E waste? Plus I find I am getting fed up of repeating what I want doing 2 or 3 times, or getting a action that I didn’t ask for. As the led bulbs, smart plugs, contact sensors fail these will not be replaced. I have become so bored of all the problems with it.
Awesome video is always Craig! Thank you! 👏👏👏
Thank you Thomas. I appreciate the nice words. Glad you enjoyed it. Have a great day.
Apple is almost there. They need assistants with screens. Once the do that, I will replace all my Alexa devices. I’m over the ads too, but I like how I can view cameras etc with my Alexa.
I was happy to get of Ring and their yearly plan to get the Aqara doorbell and throw in a SD card and have actual continuation and not the time lapse
If I was in the apple eco system with more devices other than just my phone, the apple smart home would have been at the top of my list. However my budget is more limited so I went with Echo, Google was a sad third on my options. Great info as always.
Thank you very much. I appreciate you sharing your experience. I am with you on Google being the sad third. I have no interest in covering Google. Thanks for watching.
(hoping that yet another comment doesnt vanish.....)!
Did the switch to HomePods and totally agree the Apple Home app is the way to go. I wont buy any new devices that arent Matter or Apple Home certified.
HomePod and Siri software is, however, shocking sometimes. Very Un-Apple when it doesnt respond or does the wrong thing and dont get me started on multi room music.
My advice is Buy and Apple TV(fantastic device) for the hub fill your home with cheap Sonos Symfonisk speakers which make a fine Apple Home Airplay 2 system... and as long as you carry your iPhone with you or have an Apple Watch on your wrist... you can always call up Siri from any room.
Made the switch and will never look back
Nice, good to hear your enjoying it.
FSD does need some help it’s pretty good, but not perfect.
FSD is definitely getting a lot better. Thanks for watching.
Hey Craig , have you ever seen this movie call " Afraid" , it like alexa and siri, but it way beyond them but it can be dangerous.
I have both Amazon and Apple devices and they both control the same lights and other things. Since they both go brain-dead every so often for reasons unknown, I simply command the other device to perform the function. I will say that Amazon devices are quicker. Apple devices seem to call back to the mothership to perform even simple daily tasks. Despite what Apple claims, the processing is not done locally. My advice is keep them both. Keep in mind, they both suck if you unplug the Internet and they both suck if you have devices on separate networks.
I need a smart home AND smart assistant ... mmmm. I need weather and stupid facts I need to know once in a while.
In contrast, I have encountered significant issues with Siri’s performance on my Apple devices. Despite owning five HomePod minis, none of them have been functioning optimally. I have thoroughly investigated the matter and concluded that the problem lies not with my usage or expectations but rather with the inherent design flaws of the devices. Siri consistently fails to recognize users, misinterprets requests, and encounters numerous technical difficulties. Consequently, I wish I could return my purchase, as I would have avoided it altogether if I had been aware of the substantial limitations in their functionality, particularly in performing basic tasks such as playing music.
Thank you for sharing your experience Karl. I am sorry to hear that the HomePods haven't worked out for you. Thanks for watching.
I switched my Echo to a Spot but I also have a HomePod mini. I have to run a smart bulb from a BlueTooth app on my iPhone because the kind of WiFi we have isn't compatible with a voice assistant, something like they only work on 2.4Ghz and we have 5Ghz. I ask Siri to tell me something and it says it can't connect to my phone. I ask Alexa and I get everything I wanted to know
That is odd. I am trying to think what would give the can't connect to my phone response. I am sorry to hear they have not worked out well for you. Most routers support both 2.4ghz and 5ghz at the same time. Routers and devices are supposed to connect to 2.4ghz automatically.
I have had a couple of devices over the years that would not connect because it would see the 5ghz too. But most devices I have used on my channel are connecting to my router that is broadcasting both 2.4ghz and 5ghz. They all have said 2.4ghz network only. If you haven't tried connecting it yet, I would give it a shot using it with your existing router as is. If it doesn't work, it would fall into that
@@CraigsTechTalkThanks Craig, I’ll give it a try
my Alexa is constantly not listening or just straight out telling me she can't do something while she does it. SHE constantly messes up and its so frustrating because I've put a lot of money in my smart home FOR SOMETHING THAT JUST WORKS OCCASIONALLY I'm thinking about switching to HomePod but waiting to the AI model that has to be coming soon!! any help meanwhile would be much appreciated!!
I was all Alexa. Then... the ads. OH, the ads. I literally tossed my Echo Shows in the trash. Except for one -- The Echo Spot. Not the new one that is a glorified alarm clock radio. I'm talking about the original Echo Spots -- the round boys that had a screen, camera, and was one of the best nightstand clocks I've ever had. The cool thing about those older Echo Spots is that a few years ago they all started to suffer from this stuttering visual glitch. This frustrated many users... and they upgraded. I often wonder if this gitch was built into an update on purpose, as most users experienced this "issue" around the same time frame, give or take. Most people traded in those old Spots... but I kept mine. Skip forward a year, or two, and guess what? Those visual glitches that plagued the original Spots are GONE... and not it functions exactly as it did when I bought it. Why am I saying all this? Well... because the branch of the Echo operating system that drives the old Spot displays is not designed to take the advertisements... so it's an Echo "Show" (only circular) that doesn't push those horrid ads that all the regular Shows display all the time. Sure, it's still annoying to have Alexa constantly try to plug things with follow-ups such as ".... by the way, would you like... blah blah blah". No. NO. NOOO! I don't want ANY of those things. Shut up!! I like the ability to "Drop In" on my Alexa devices. I use them to contact my kids while I'm not within shouting distance, or just check in on the house while I'm away (almost like a security cam). Outside of Drop-In and the ability to create great routines... a lot of Amazon's devices are just clunky, and slow, and limited. I think the most logical step away from Amazon would be Google. They have decent routines, have the BEST results with search results and conversations. They don't have drop-in... but whatever. While most of our home users are Apple users (Mac laptops, desktops, iPhones, and Apple Watches) I'm just not a fan of Siri. I think Siri used to be cool (just like how Apple's autocorrect featured USED to be good)... but today the autocorrect will get you fired at work and Siri is about as useless as eating Hacky Sacks with pancakes. Unless you're asking Siri to add "two plus two" you're likely to get a response of "I've found some items on the web you might be interested in." Really? REALLY? You found some web pages for me to look at based on my request, but can't give me a verbal resolution to my request? When I want to use Siri is when my hands are tied -- such as when I'm driving, or walking in a hurry, or when I'm otherwise unable to lift my phone out of my pocket and strike a virtual keyboard with my thumbs. Siri isn't fast. If I'm ask my desktop I can Google-search or ChatGPT search faster than asking Siri. Only with the Google/ChatGPT searches I'll get the results I want. With Siri it's, "Hey Siri... I'm driving at 100 MPH to try an outrun these cops. Can you tell me how far away the next off ramp is?" and she'll wait a while before informing you that she's found a bunch of search results for web pages that you may or may not be interested in culling through to decide for yourself if she did a better job at Google searching that you could have. Useless. Technology that makes things harder or more frustrating isn't very interesting to me. At least Alexa would give me a straight up answer, even if she informed me that she didn't know or didn't have a good answer. I'll accept that. Siri is only interested in distracting me from driving so I can try to flip through a dozen different web pages on my Apple Watch that she found about something I asked while driving and now I'm subject to crash. That said, Apple does have a clean speaker for music. But I was never unhappy with Alexa or Google when it came to sound quality. Anyway -- thanks for your videos and perspective. Your last video was the straw that caused me to toss my other Show devices. I don't miss them one bit. My iPhone has nightstand mode, so now I just set an alarm and listen to a music album while drifting to sleep. Naturally I set the alarm manually, as when I asked Siri she just claimed to have found a bunch of information on the web I might be interested in. Goodnight. :)
I have not had any luck with my HomePod. I cannot find a HomePod that can hook up to my light so I can basically say please turn off the light whatever your name is. I have a background in IT and I’m gonna say this out loud, the Alexa app was so much easier so far if anybody has any good information on what type of switches work best for the HomePod please reach out to me with a message. Thank you very much
I am hoping the announcements this week include a new Apple Home hub with a design feature similar to an Echo Show. That may, however, obviate several sections of this video!
Can you give us a review for sonoff ihost
I've nearly fully jumped ship, I've only got a Alexa Yamaha soundbar and Fire TV 4K Max left to go, maybe I'm jumping out of the frying pan into the Google fire? Never really been an Apple fan, the only devices l had were an iPod and iPod touch and an old Apple TV with HD (because it could be hacked 😉!) I've always preferred the ability to tinker rather than have it behind a walled garden. Using Home Assistant alongside Google Home thankfully meets all of my requirements.
Thanks for sharing Rusty. I can see Google being a better option than Amazon at this point. The Nest Hubs still have the best looking and performing interface. They respond quick to touch and no ads. It make sense if your team Android and PC. Going Google devices gives you some good tinkering features and integration Amazon is going to give. Thanks for watching.
Thanks Craig.
Thank you Ron. Have a great day.
I am not ready to ditch Alexa….had it since the beginning…about 7 + years..kind of like part of the family…if that makes any sense…..😊
If you’ve got Alexa screens - presently - get and keep both ( Calenders and Weather AND countdown timers linked to smart devices n plugs).
If you have a Broadlink (RF & IR) you can link them to APPLE shortcuts WITHOUT an Apple hub.
If you have Hom Assistant and add the Home Bridge is fairly easy to bring non apple devices onto your iPhone.
No ZIGBEE but sideways access via hubs that share Matter Aqara.
Finally, it’s like Pokémon get em all!
Me I advocate “ The Janky Hybrid” model use them wisely enjoy the benefits of all and react when major things change and winners and losers emerge
Thanks for sharing the suggestion. I am not using Echo Shows but I keep both Echos and HomePods in most rooms. They both have their strengths.
I'm starting to get sick of Amazon's BS devices.
One example- i just wanna hear "Ode to my Car" by Adam Sandler. Alexa says she can't play it while explicit filter is on. Then tells me how to turn it off. I tell her to turn it off. She confirms that it's off. I ask her to play the same song. She tells me she can't because explicit filter is on.. 🤦🏼♂️
I went into the app, and saw that the filter is actually disabled.
🤦🏿♂️🤦🏿♀️🤦
I made the switch at the beginning of the year. I got sick of Alexa giving me a notification just for it to be an advertisement. Apple doesn’t do that
Good morning Craig
Good morning Lisa. I hope you are doing well.
Siri intelligence waiting for the new HomePod it will be much better hopefully
I really hope they deliver a smart display, as rumored next year. Apple Intelligence across the HomePods too will be nice.
Now that you are seeming migrating Ofer to Apple, I have a request. Can you uses your sources to communicate how literally limited and useless they have made CarPlay. Maybe you can do a video on it. I’ve waited more than a decade to get a car that had CarPlay and overall it’s been a big disappointment and not the Apple I knew from the iPhone, iPad, and Mac world. There are many more feature and function improvements needed. When you spend over $50k on a car and get the high trim level, you expect the best. CarPlay is not even close. OK rant over. Thanks! Your 300th sub! Lol
Anyone who is already using Apple products will not be concerned with cost!! For the last 50 years I've known one thing well, Apple does not play well/or at all with PC, Windows, or Android.
That might not be entirely true today, but I'm not going to test it. Amazon has been in my face more and more. What about Google Home? Is that still a thing? I have an old Google speaker, somewhere. It did not impress me years ago. What adds? I don't use any Show devices, I guess they're for video phone calls? Is that where the adds are? I was able to switch off the "by the way..."
Y'all know you can turn off ads on Echos? Just turn them off. I have nine echos and never get ads ever. I agree that the Amazon app is a clusterF.
You cannot turn off cards that have “sponsored” in the corner. Those are ads paid for by companies to Amazon. Amazon does not allow you to turn those off. You can only turn off home content. That is what you are doing. If you are not seeing ads, just wait. Advertising is live in the US and Canada.
My echos really piss me off from not listening to me correctly or just ignoring me I’ve though about switching but I’m the only one with a iPhone and the other people in my house don’t care about these things so I don’t wanna get google home idk what do anymore I just wish I didn’t spend money on having a echo show in every room in my home 😩
What about just portable Bluetooth speaker for us poor boys. I have been using Apple Music on Alexa speakers because APPLE MUSIC is better than Amazon. My Amazon speakers were hacked an I just don't want that to happen again.
As always brilliantly put.
Am I the only one who lost dashboard on all fire tablets soon as the update finished ?
I so want to be an apple homepod user but at the moment Siri can be so dumb. I'm really hoping apple intelligence comes to them soon to make me migrate away from google. Please apple hurry up.
I hate Alexa, but I am too invested in them. I do not have any apple products because I have no right to repair. Besides, the nearest apple store is over 50 miles round trip. Ain't going to happen.
Whatever happened to Claude Ai?
Thank you for sharing your experience and for watching this video. I can appreciate what you are saying. Good question, where is Claude. Everything was pointing to an end of October event or release of Claude.
I would buy a mini if I could talk better. And a new Apple TV
Alexa is for users ages 50+
I still like my alexa
Amazon echo devices are horrible. If you use an iPhone it seems like bait and switch that Amazon devices would make it so incredibly difficult to use them. Horrible! I am returning this shit to Amazon.
Very timely. One of my clients has both devices, and I was trying to figure out which one would be more of a benefit to a senior. I agree with you about the HomePod, not having a screen of some sort. Apple’s definitely lacking with that. They need to add a screen then I’ll consider purchasing one.
Personally, for seniors I think the Echos are the way to go. They are so open and easy to use. Plus so many people use them it's easy to get help. Hopefully in the spring we will finally see a HomePod with a screen. Sounds like Apple may actually get serious about the smart home.
@@CraigsTechTalk Great advice. Thanks. Yes hope to see screens on AHPs! 🌟
Siri is severely lacking
I am with you on that. I am amazed how little Siri has progressed. Maybe Apple Intelligence may finally help Siri. Thanks for watching.
Long time Alexa user here. Ironically I made the leap
To Seri less than 24 hours ago. Within two hours of receiving the HomePod and bulbs I was able to do more; easier than with Alexa after many years. Happy camper. Thanks for the work producing your videos.
Thank you very much. Congratulations on the switch. Glad to hear it has been good so far and easier. The stuff just works most of the time.
Nope 👎, I don’t want Apple to open up more, then it wouldn’t be Apple. It’d be what the EU are trying to force/dictate. I trust Apple, for privacy and quality and ease of use, etc.
I am with you on opening up like they are being forced too. But I do like seeing the forward progress with UA-cam music being added. If they could get more services and apps to play along. Definitely don't let the EU break what is great about Apple.
I like the the hey Disney on the Alexa where Apple don’t have hey Disney YES I AM A IPHONE AND MAC MINI USER WITH ALEXA SPEAKERS
I don't have any Apple products so nah yeah nah not for me, echos work with both Apple and Android so for me Apple are too proprietary
Nothing like having every word you speak shipped directly into the NSA's Echelon system. Yep, that's your Apple ecosystem!
That is why there is always the option for the security and privacy of Google and Amazon. That way your information is yours and safe. I hope you are doing well Bob. It is good to see you in the comments. Hopefully we will see you at a livestream soon.
No chance. If I ditch alexa I'd go to Google. Apple to restrictive. Google isn't great but rather go that way.
Thanks for sharing. Nice thing about going Google is that it brings more of that native integration with Android. Similar to some of the benefits of the HomePods for Apple users.
Ótimo vídeo! Antes de trocar Alexa pelo Siri, é bom saber as diferenças reais entre eles. Você explicou muito bem as vantagens e limitações de cada um, especialmente no que diz respeito à integração e compatibilidade com dispositivos. Esse tipo de comparação é essencial para quem está pensando em mudar. Obrigado por compartilhar!"
Thank you very much. I appreciate you saying this. My goal was to hopefully give enough advantages of each to be helpful. Thank you for your comment and watching.
I love this video🫶 only the best will do… as my home is always the destination❣️
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed the video. You have to treat your home to the good stuff and it will take care of you. Thanks for watching.