Smart speaker question

[Mojoman]

I am thinking of getting one of those smart speakers like a Google Home mini or something but I need to know if you are able to communicate to these devices (once locked into your wifi network) via a cell phone app.

In other words I want to leave it in the house (maybe have two linked up?) and if my CCTV/Alarm shows some thieving muppet trying to break in then I can tell him to push off (or worse) through the speaker. My CCTV DVR has audio output (RCA ports) but I would have to get an amp and some speakers anyway. I figured a smart speaker might be a more functional and worthwhile buy?

[WrightJnr]

I have Amazon Alexa. I’m not aware of a feature to use the speaker to shout at perps. Perhaps look at the indoor cameras like “ring” etc.. as they definitely do this though their phone app.

 

I’ve got the RING front doorbell with camera. If someone rings, I get a notification on my mobile and I can instantly see them through the app and communicate with them (obviously when I’m not at home).

 

But to be honest, I don’t see a burglar caring much about your rants through a speaker.

 

What about a loud alarm siren simply connected to a smart plug? You see the muppet and then just use the mobile app to switch the siren on. They might think it’s linked to the response team and bugger off.

[Mojoman]

I have Amazon Alexa. I’m not aware of a feature to use the speaker to shout at perps. Perhaps look at the indoor cameras like “ring” etc.. as they definitely do this though their phone app.

 

I’ve got the RING front doorbell with camera. If someone rings, I get a notification on my mobile and I can instantly see them through the app and communicate with them (obviously when I’m not at home).

 

But to be honest, I don’t see a burglar caring much about your rants through a speaker.

 

What about a loud alarm siren simply connected to a smart plug? You see the muppet and then just use the mobile app to switch the siren on. They might think it’s linked to the response team and bugger off.

Thanks, have you got one of those smart plugs? Do they work independently from the smart speakers?

Something like this?

https://www.communica.co.za/products/sme-sonoff-s55-smart-socket-w-pr?utm_source=www.communica.co.za&variant=31070517362761&sfdr_ptcid=31591_617_545363404&sfdr_hash=c4be5845f275cf046cc858009f452d73&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_IroncL-5gIVCrDtCh3DRgGeEAQYCyABEgK3vfD_BwE

Edited January 12, 2020 by Mojoman

[WrightJnr]

Thanks, have you got one of those smart plugs? Do they work independently from the smart speakers?

Something like this?

https://www.communica.co.za/products/sme-sonoff-s55-smart-socket-w-pr?utm_source=www.communica.co.za&variant=31070517362761&sfdr_ptcid=31591_617_545363404&sfdr_hash=c4be5845f275cf046cc858009f452d73&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_IroncL-5gIVCrDtCh3DRgGeEAQYCyABEgK3vfD_BwE

Yeah, I’ve got a few WiFi plugs. They all work independently however I always get the one’s that can learn the Alexa skill. But otherwise just manage from the app. They work great.

[BigDL]

Apple HomePod

[WrightJnr]

Apple HomePod

So you have one? Used it? Cause I’m seriously not impressed. It’s nothing short of just a bloody expensive Bluetooth speaker. IMO.

[BigDL]

So you have one? Used it? Cause I’m seriously not impressed. It’s nothing short of just a bloody expensive Bluetooth speaker. IMO.

 

I have one, use it every day. It is an incredible speaker, performing far better than much more expensive speakers. They are not cheap, but are incredibly well priced compared to similar quality speakers. Do you have one? 

 

https://www.whathifi.com/apple/homepod/review

[Rocket-Boy]

I have Amazon Alexa. I’m not aware of a feature to use the speaker to shout at perps. Perhaps look at the indoor cameras like “ring” etc.. as they definitely do this though their phone app.

 

I’ve got the RING front doorbell with camera. If someone rings, I get a notification on my mobile and I can instantly see them through the app and communicate with them (obviously when I’m not at home).

 

But to be honest, I don’t see a burglar caring much about your rants through a speaker.

 

What about a loud alarm siren simply connected to a smart plug? You see the muppet and then just use the mobile app to switch the siren on. They might think it’s linked to the response team and bugger off.

There is an announce function on the Alexa app. I use it sometimes when I know my wife is home and her phone is on silent so I cant get hold of her.

Just send the voice message and it comes out of the linked speaker.

[WrightJnr]

I have one, use it every day. It is an incredible speaker, performing far better than much more expensive speakers. They are not cheap, but are incredibly well priced compared to similar quality speakers. Do you have one?

 

https://www.whathifi.com/apple/homepod/review

I reviewed a few when buying. I settled on the Bose HomeSpeaker 500. Main thing for me was that the Bose supports Alexa, Google Home and even it’s own yet not very good voice integration. Also I liked the sound from the Bose. Bottom line for me was the Bose was more vendor neutral so I wasn’t locked in.

[BigDL]

I reviewed a few when buying. I settled on the Bose HomeSpeaker 500. Main thing for me was that the Bose supports Alexa, Google Home and even it’s own yet not very good voice integration. Also I liked the sound from the Bose. Bottom line for me was the Bose was more vendor neutral so I wasn’t locked in.

I prefer Apple a) because I work for them, but b) because I feel quite strongly about the privacy issue. That Bose is a beautiful speaker though with incredible sound.

[Shebeen]

got google mini.

 

love it

 

would like to change the voice. only have a yank chick and a yank dude

[Rocket-Boy]

Mojoman I dont think a smart speaker is going to do what you are after though to actually answer your question.

Those smart speakers are great for what they are meant to do - sit inside your house.

The idea like the Ring doorbell would work, otherwise using an Arduino/ESP you could probably put something together along those lines.

The other alternative is a normal video doorbell which you could always just life the handset and talk through.

[Mojoman]

Mojoman I dont think a smart speaker is going to do what you are after though to actually answer your question.

Those smart speakers are great for what they are meant to do - sit inside your house.

The idea like the Ring doorbell would work, otherwise using an Arduino/ESP you could probably put something together along those lines.

The other alternative is a normal video doorbell which you could always just life the handset and talk through.

Thanks all who responded....I will probably just go with the amp....I'm 5 minutes odd away from my house so I'd like to play fair and give the criminal a head start before we come gunning in!  

[J∆kk∆ls]

I have a Google Hub in the bedroom and a Google mini in the kitchen, Google Chrome Cast in the TV room and a Google pixel. They all sync beautifully via the Google home app. 

 

The Google Hub and Google Mini have excellent sound quality. We play all our news feeds and music in the kitchen as that is where we spend most of our time as a family. 

[Stretch]

I have Amazon Alexa. I’m not aware of a feature to use the speaker to shout at perps. Perhaps look at the indoor cameras like “ring” etc.. as they definitely do this though their phone app.

 

I’ve got the RING front doorbell with camera. If someone rings, I get a notification on my mobile and I can instantly see them through the app and communicate with them (obviously when I’m not at home).

 

But to be honest, I don’t see a burglar caring much about your rants through a speaker.

 

What about a loud alarm siren simply connected to a smart plug? You see the muppet and then just use the mobile app to switch the siren on. They might think it’s linked to the response team and bugger off.

I can tell the Alexa to say something from the app on my phone. I use it to tell the girls to answer their phone when they're not answering their phone

[Stretch]

There is an announce function on the Alexa app. I use it sometimes when I know my wife is home and her phone is on silent so I cant get hold of her.

Just send the voice message and it comes out of the linked speaker.

Lol... We use it for the event same reason [emoji23]