Let me talk about the background. The idea of an intelligent voice assistant isn't exactly new anymore. Microsoft, Google, Apple, and Amazon all have their own versions of these assistants. However, if you look at how widely these assistants are actually being used, most of them still fall short of becoming mainstream. Even the user experience can be quite frustrating. But recently, with the introduction of several audio assistant devices like the Echo, HomePod, and Google Home, things have started heating up, especially in markets like Europe and the US.
Take Amazon's Echo/Echo Dot and Alexa, for instance. The Amazon Echo serves multiple purposes—it can act as both a smart home controller and a portable speaker. Standing at around 10 inches tall with a cylindrical design, it can fit perfectly in any corner of your home, even the kitchen. Alexa is essentially Amazon's version of Siri, built directly into the Echo. It listens to voice commands and responds accordingly. The Echo Dot is similar to the Echo but without the audio capabilities, making it more affordable at just $50 compared to the Echo's $180 price tag. For budget-conscious users, pairing the Echo Dot with a Bluetooth speaker could be a great way to start exploring smart home tech.
The Echo/Echo Dot allows you to build your own smart home system using a central hub. Alexa connects to various smart devices from different manufacturers through open skills. All you need to do is add the appropriate skill for each device on the Alexa app, and you’re good to go.
Now, let’s talk about some complementary devices. Many of the brands showcased in Echo’s marketing campaigns are well-known international names, but they might not always align with our practical needs. Let’s dive deeper into what Americans are actually using:
Philips Hue 464479 White and Color Ambiance A19 60W Equivalent Starter Kit works with Amazon Alexa for $199.97 domestically. On Belle Shopping in the US, it costs around $1300+. You can also find Wemo Insight Smart Plugs on Amazon US for $47.85, which allow you to control your lights and appliances remotely via your phone while working seamlessly with Alexa.
Among these, Wemo has also gained popularity as an affordable entry-level smart home product among tech enthusiasts abroad.
Now onto the main event—affordable smart home products that support Amazon Alexa. First up is the Mi Yeelight bulb from Xiaomi. Xiaomi’s smart home ecosystem includes independent WiFi devices and Zigbee devices that require a gateway. Yeelight falls under the former category.
Yeelight offers two types of bulbs: white light and color light. The white version leans slightly towards a warmer yellow hue. If you don’t care too much about the color tone, the white version offers better value for money. Two important things to note here: the bulbs are bulkier than regular downlights, so they might not fit all fixtures. Also, remember to select Singapore when setting up to ensure compatibility with Alexa.
Applications and skills: Yeelight apps (also available in the Mi app) and Yeelight skills.
Next is the Yi Weilian/Itead Sonoff S22 socket. Yi Weilian is a smart home solution provided by Cool Home Technology, which boasts numerous partnerships. What they currently offer is a product from their sister company, ITEAD. Their smart sockets are undoubtedly one of the best value-for-money options out there. For the price of one Wemo, you could buy ten S22s and plug them into your existing outlets. Due to its niche appeal, this product is only sold on certain e-commerce platforms.
Despite its affordability, it has some drawbacks: it looks bulky, the indicator light cannot be adjusted, and it’s not ideal for bedrooms. However, its cost-effectiveness outweighs these negatives.
Applications and skills: Easy App and Yi Weilian Smart Home Fan skill.
Then there’s the Galaxy Wind Wisdom x series featuring smart air conditioner sockets and smart security systems. Regular smart sockets can’t handle 16A air conditioning plugs or remote-controlled air conditioners, but the Wukong i8 is different. It’s a 16A WiFi socket with air conditioning remote control and a temperature sensor, allowing you to remotely or vocally control your air conditioner comfortably. The price is reasonable enough for widespread adoption.
Value-wise, it’s impressive. Here’s how it looks:
Application and skill: GoHome app control, skill Wujia on Alexa, though it seems like an individual developer initiative. Hopefully, the official team will release an Alexa skill soon.
Another contender is the Controlled Guest Mini Pro socket. Controlled Guest is a Hangzhou-based tech company offering some smart home solutions. While this socket isn’t the cheapest, it does come with an infrared remote control feature, effectively turning it into a universal remote for controlling non-electronic switches like air conditioners, fans, and TVs.
Unfortunately, the remote control function doesn’t work with Alexa. However, the value proposition is strong compared to Itead’s offerings, as it acts as a universal remote control center at home.
Applications and skills: SmartK app and skill, though the current skill has issues with device support.
Other teammates include Lifesmart, Geeklink, and Cooltouch. Lifesmart focuses on bulbs, sockets, and panels, requiring some setup. They also offer Bluetooth bulbs, which are relatively rare. Their app and skills are straightforward. Prices range from $100 to $400.
Geeklink, based in Guangzhou, specializes in switch panels. They offer panels, security sensors, and cameras, along with their app and skill. Prices start around $100.
Cooltouch primarily pushes switch panels with higher price tags.
To conclude, labeling these products as "pseudo-smart" homes isn't entirely fair. At the very least, they bring some level of automation and convenience to our lives. True smart homes, however, involve much more than just these individual gadgets. They require comprehensive equipment, advanced algorithms, and complete solutions. While there are providers claiming to offer smart home solutions, most products lack interoperability across brands, and mastering them can be a hassle. This increases the barrier to entry and calls for standardized protocols.
In conclusion, we need to work towards truly smart homes accessible to everyone.
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