AMAZON OR GOOGLE (or wait for Apple)?

摘要

Google's Home and Home Mini smart speakers compete directly with Echo. Apple is working on a similar box for Siri, called HomePod (pictured), but it has been delayed until next year. Each of these devices can deliver news, sports results, weather forecasts and so on, as well as travel directions, which you can forward to apps on your phone. You can even order an Uber taxi or a pizza, and Alexa makes it particularly easy to buy from Amazon through the device, which may be of interest if you subscribe to Prime for free delivery. You can protect this feature with a PIN so your kids or your parrot can't activate it. Google, on the other hand, is better at understanding random questions. Alexa's strength is in its extensive support for smart lightbulbs and other home automation products, and the Plus takes this even further. We'll have to see if Google and Apple catch up.