I know this is the wrong forum and even the wrong audience since most of youze are still trying to decide if it's time to give up your flip phone but I thought I'd ask anyway.

Part of my current edumacation has got me thinkin' 'bout gettin' one of these new fangled do-hikies. Seems like it's the new thing all the kids are doing and I shud prolly learn 'em. I've faked my way so far but a bunch of my classes are about IoT, AI, cloud $hit stuff, and stuff... yet I ain't gots one in my shack.

Any advice? I'm leaning to the Google Assistant but I also have Amazon Prime and Music which kinda puts me in the Alexa corner too. What do you use (if you use any)? Looking for real world pros and cons from real world losers & users.

So any advice other than don't test an active electric outlet with a butter knife or try to shoot a raccoon when riding shotgun in a gocart?

Disclaimer: Let's put the "big brother" thing aside, that's a bigger topic all on it's own. I PM'ed RAM and Whistle but they couldn't help... neither of the mentioned home assistant's have the ability to change old fart diapers.

Things we use it for all the time include music, setting timers, getting the weather, turning on lamps (smart plugs), and answering the constant barrage of children's questions... instead of "look it up" I get to say "ask Alexa" and I get to learn with them...

I'm technologically challenged. I don't even have smart TV's...

Not looking for new problems got plenty of old ones, to keep me entertained. 🥱

Alexia = Spy [ram27bat]

Me neither... my tvs are old... I was really resistant to Alexa at first, but being able to play any song I want just by telling her to do it makes it totally worth it...

You do realize there's a camera and microphone in every single cell phone, laptop, and television made after 2015, right? If a powerful corporation wants to spy on you, they don't need your alexa...

Same here. I have been pushing for one in the family room (after 23 years without)I'd love a new one for the bedroom, but our Panasonic has a good picture, even though it's like 98.2 years old. Almost got wife to agree to the family room TV, but also hoping the Panasonic takes a $hit.

Amazon won't let me buy a Google hub thingy though. Prolly pick one up at the local funny farm (Walmart) if they have a Google mini thingy in stock. Looks like many of the wizy-ma-jigs are both Google and Amazon compatible so either will work from that standpoint.

The only reason I think you might regret that is the music... but then again I don't know what Google has for music options...

Absolutely, but I'm not about to volunteer.

I think the nest can be had for $20-$30 each... 3 would probably be enough...

So you don't have a laptop, TV, or cell phone made after 2015? Cuz if you do, you volunteered... that camera on your cell phone always functions, as does the microphone...