Hands-free operation: voice control in the smart home

The so-called “Smart Home” has been a catchphrase for many years now, which is intended to describe a networked and intelligently acting home. For example, sensors can measure the temperature, the air quality or the light intensity in the rooms and open or close the windows accordingly.

The light, the streaming of music or the playback of messages can also be automated - for example as part of a previously defined routine. Not only Siri from Apple helps with this, it is also possible with the Google Assistant. If "OK Google, good morning"Or"Hey Google, I'm home“- You can define your own reactions in the Smart Home for different phrases.

Voice control: individual commands and questions

When using smart speakers like the Apple HomePod, Amazon Echo or Google Home will most likely rely on single voice inputs. How will be the weather? Turn on the light in the living room! Start my after-work playlist! - Such and similar commands ensure that certain actions are triggered. Because it is one of the basic Features of Google Home Mini, GoogleHome, Apple HomePod, Amazon Echo and similar devices of the smart speaker product family to react to questions and commands with answers or actions. This makes the home a little smarter. The right smart home, which can tend to automate the entire routine on and with the building technology, takes more than that.

Control your home by voice with linked commands

Individual statements and commands have long been linked to specific actions in the automated home. This can even start in the car on the way to the house or apartment. If you tell Siri, Alexa or the Google Assistant that you are on your way home, the heating or air conditioning can start and the garage door can be unlocked. Perhaps the smart rice cooker has also been integrated into the smart home so that the food is ready-cooked and kept warm waiting for you.

Something similar is possible in the morning: After saying "Good morning" the coffee machine comes on, the loudspeakers play the news or upbeat music and the lights go on. If you like something like this, you should consider setting up your household with devices for HomeKit or Google Home. Personally, I'm still a bit "backward" because I can already see how difficult it is for Siri to switch a bedroom lamp on and off reliably.

Smart home with voice control ideal for the physically handicapped

The smart home, which can be controlled by voice via smart speakers, smartphones, tablets or other input devices, is not just something for the lazy. Even those who are physically impaired can benefit from it. Because if the lights, the radio, doors, kitchen appliances, heating and the like can be controlled by voice, a lot of comfort and time is gained.

Everyday life can then also be made easier in the event of a possible disability. Those who keep a clear pronunciation in old age will certainly appreciate the corresponding advantages. A wide variety of people benefit from the smart home and the simple operation by voice. 

Your experiences with the voice-controlled smart home

According to the current forecasts the smart home with its individual sectors, devices and services is a growth market. By 2025, the market volume can grow from an estimated 2020 billion euros in 4,2 to a whopping 7,9 billion euros.

How do you use the voice control of the various providers in your home? Are you fully networked so that you can take care of everything in three sentences a day? Or do you rely on individual commands to control light, temperature, multi-media and the like? Feel free to leave a comment with your experiences and habits. I am curious how you have integrated the technology into your everyday life;)

Jen Kleinholz( Founder & Sir Apfelot )

Jens has been running the blog since 2012. He acts as Sir Apfelot for his readers and helps them with technical problems. In his spare time he rides electric unicycles, takes photos (preferably with the iPhone, of course), climbs around in the Hessian mountains or hikes with the family. His articles deal with Apple products, news from the world of drones or solutions to current bugs.