Google Home Vs Amazon Echo Google Assistant Takes On Alexa
Basic Requests and Commands
We’ll start off with some really basic, and common commands. Stuff that I would usually do everyday, on my Google Home, or Echo. This comprises of things like checking the weather, basic conversions, taking notes, etc. Note: We’re using these devices in India. While Google Home easily accepts locations based in India, and works with them, the Echo does not. So, your mileage may vary.
- What’s the weather like This first command is a prime example of the difference it makes, using an Echo in a country it is not yet supported in.
However, if you want to check the weather in a location outside of the US, you can do that pretty easily, so let’s try that next. 2. What’s the weather like in New Delhi This time around, I’ll phrase the weather request differently.
How many inches in a metre Let’s check whether our two smart speakers can perform simple conversions for us.
Take a note
Google Home apparently can’t take notes, yet. Not even when Google has a Note taking app (Google Keep), that syncs over the cloud, and is even installed on my phone. What’s even more surprising, is that Google Home seems to be using Google Keep to manage shopping lists, anyway. 5. Toss a coin/Roll a dice This is not really something I ask either of my smart speakers to do, but it’s a very basic thing that even Siri can do, so I really wanted to check.
Music and Radio
Play Starboy
Play Starboy on Spotify
Play ESPN radio
Context and Capability
Who is Roger Federer
Who is he married to
When did they get married
Contextual Math Since the Echo can’t keep track of context, it does a weird thing some times. Check it out:
5 multiplied by 5
add 5
See what happened there? Since Google Home can understand context, it gave me the correct answer (30, in this case). However, the Echo took the “add 5” command to mean that I wanted it to add 5 to my shopping list. That is incredibly weird, because why would someone do that? Anyway, moving back on to the capabilities of these smart speakers 5. Track my package I wanted to try this one out because Google Now was able to track packages (or at least show notifications for them), and Google Assistant, being superior, should be able to do the same.
- Translate hello, how are you to Spanish
This was quite an easy command, and while both the devices were able to do it, I prefer how Google Home does it. The Echo simply writes the translation in the Alexa app, but Google Home speaks it out, which is much more useful. If I have to take my mobile out to see the translation, why wouldn’t I just use my mobile to translate it, anyway?
Fun and Games
As much as I tell people that I use the Echo, and Home to be productive, there are times when you just want to sit back, and have some fun. Both these speakers come with games, and other fun stuff, built right in. Let’s check it out, now: 1. Alexa what do you think of Google Home
Both the assistants like playing nice, which is great. I wouldn’t want AI’s starting to dislike each other; that’s never good news for us. 3. I want to play a game
Like I said, both these devices come with games built right in, however, while the Google Home has 3 games to choose from, the Echo only comes with one. To be fair, you can enable a lot more games in the Echo by adding Skills. 4. I’m feeling lucky This one is great. You should definitely try it out on the Google Home, or the Google Assistant in your phone.
- Say the alphabet backwards
Once again, Google Home is the only one that can do this. It doesn’t really matter to the over-all capability of the device, but it’s definitely a great easter egg, and something fun to show off to your friends.
IFTTT Integration
Both Google Home, and the Echo support IFTTT integration. However, the Echo only supports it in the US and UK. Google Home, on the other hand, works anywhere. Creating IFTTT recipes is easy, and I created one that welcomes me to work, and sends a chat message to my team, informing them that I’ve logged in. I’m Here
SEE ALSO: How to Set Up and Use Google Home Outside US It is quite obvious that both these devices are pretty great. Personally, I would give the edge to Google Home. The one complaint I have with Google Home (no to-do list support), is one that can be easily fixed with an IFTTT recipe between Google Home, and Todoist. Speaker-quality wise, they are both awesome, again. Obviously, they won’t replace your dedicated audio system, but they’re pretty great, anyway. I prefer the deeper bass of the Google Home, but a lot of people find the Echo’s clearer, and louder treble way better than the Home’s. So, yeah, it’s personal preference, in the end.
