While mobile phones allow the use of two voice assistants in the case of Android devices and up to three in the iPhone, smart speakers only give the option of one. In the best of cases you can find models that allow you to choose which one, but nothing else. Why is no speaker capable of using two assistants at the same time?
Google Assistant, Alexa or Siri: which is better?
Users normally bet on a specific product or service not because it is better than the rest, but because the advantages it brings are greater than those of its competitors. And that is something that happens with practically everything, not only in technology.
However, focusing on the technological world there are many examples that we could put of this. One of them would be to choose a new smartphone. And we not only say it by the fact of choosing between iOS and Android, also between models that use the same operating system.
Because not everyone has the same needs and if, for example, you like photography better, it is logical that you invest in the one that offers the greatest variety of cameras and better results. However, if you just want to communicate, you won’t have to go for such expensive models. Each need has its ideal product if you do not want to enhance an investment that does not pay you back in the long run.
Well, on the subject of smart speakers and their respective voice assistants something similar happens. We can’t say which among Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri is better. Each one provides a series of advantages and suffers from other types of disadvantages, which as disadvantages will have to be assessed to what extent they compensate or not.
Thus, if the interesting thing about Alexa can be its naturalness, its integration with the Amazon online store, the great compatibility when using third-party connected devices, etc .; Google Assistant allows you to control Chromecast devices, televisions with Android TV, obtain more precise search results, access services such as YouTube Music, etc.
Finally, Siri could be said to be the “weakest” rival despite not being true at all. Because it is the only voice assistant that integrates perfectly with the rest of Apple products. So if you want the best experience with your iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple TV, it is the option to choose. The problem is that if you want to do it through a smart speaker you limit yourself to the HomePod mini. Because there aren’t even two anymore because the original model has been discontinued.
Can two voice assistants be used at the same time on a single speaker?
At this point you have surely thought, why choose? Couldn’t two voice assistants be used at the same time? If in mobile phones we have that option, why not in a smart speaker.
Well, regarding the first question, the truth is that it is true that having to choose is a bit of a bummer. Because when you have had experience with the different voice assistants, you realize that all of them can bring advantages in the day-to-day life of any user.
As we said, Google Assistant for everything related to information search or for its integration with services that most of us use on a daily basis such as the calendar, email, etc., is practically unrivaled. However, for many other things that we also do frequently, it must be recognized that Alexa works very well.
But, and now we answer the second question, you cannot use two voice assistants at the same time on a single speaker. The smart speakers sold by Amazon are only compatible with Alexa, of course, and the same goes for Google’s. We leave Apple and the HomePod aside because we already take it for granted that only their products will be able to make use of services as critical as Siri.
So when you go shopping for a smart speaker, you really have to decide which assistant you want to use. Because that will mark your purchase options.
Neither speaker supports two assistants?
Okay, before we said that if you bet on Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri, the purchase options will be one or the other, but there are some exceptions. For example, Sonos allows you to use both Alexa and Google Assistant but not at the same time .
That is, from the Sonos app itself you have the option of choosing which assistant you want to use with your speakers. But if you opt for Alexa and want to use Google Assistant at some point you would have to go back to the application and change it. Something that you can imagine is neither comfortable nor effective in daily use.
Therefore, there is no loudspeaker that supports the joint use of several assistants at the same time. At least when it comes to the top three options that exist today.
Why in a mobile if you can and in a speaker not?
Ok, this question is a bit more complex, but surely you understand it quickly even if you are a user with a higher than average technical profile. When you use several voice assistants on a device such as a smartphone, which is very personal, has a screen and that you normally have in the palm of your hand or in view, it does not cause problems of understanding.
That is, you will always have a clear visual reference that makes it easier for you to know who you should ask to stop a timer, silence a notification, etc. However, on a smart speaker the mountable mess would be important. You wouldn’t know who or what you asked for something most of the time.
And that is counting that you are a user who is good at using technology and you are practically the only one who interacts with them at home. But if you live with more people, the chaos could be significant and that is why manufacturers do not implement such an option. Which would also require more resources at the hardware level and the price of the device would increase. Thus being less attractive.
Then it is clear that neither Google nor Amazon, much less Apple would want their Google Assistant, Alexa and Siri to coexist with their rivals. So, you will have to continue choosing which smart speaker to buy based on the assistant you want to use.
