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Important points to keep in mind when purchasing smart speakers. Source: iphoneitalia.Nowadays, smart speakers serve more than just playing music like traditional ones; they come packed with various features to assist users. The smart speaker market is diverse and rich, so let's explore some tips from 24h Technology on what to consider when buying a smart speaker to tailor it to your usage needs!
Technical specifications of the speaker - An essential consideration when purchasing a smart speaker!
The sound quality of the speaker is a crucial aspect that many people care about. Source: Huawei.Certainly, the first thing you should think about when choosing a smart speaker is its power and sound quality, right?
For a truly high-quality smart speaker setup, opt for a premium smart speaker with at least one dedicated tweeter (for high tones) and a subwoofer (for low tones). This ensures excellent performance across all music genres, from symphony halls to explosive rock music.
Choose a speaker system that suits your music preferences. Source: Marshall.However, it's not always feasible to find or afford such expensive speaker pairs. Therefore, it's best to carefully differentiate and evaluate the technical specifications of that speaker system.
Especially with many affordable or mid-range speakers using a single driver to cover all audio frequencies. If you enjoy soft classical music in a small listening room, bookshelf speakers are the optimal choice.
Amazon Echo Dot speaker. Image source: Amazon.On the flip side, rock music enthusiasts crave high dynamic range, elevated low-frequency response, and solid bass. They might consider column speakers or large cabinet speakers for that robust sound.
Each speaker has its unique strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, explore speaker lines that align with your music preferences, and you'll enjoy the finest performance.
Yamaha MusicCast 50 speaker. Image source: 4KFilme.Typically, you'd want power ranging from 20 W and above if you aim for a high-power speaker covering a large room. However, companies don't always disclose power, and design tricks can sometimes surpass limits.
In reality, avoid thinking more power is always better - indeed, it can enhance range, volume, and bass, but beyond a point, you're just damaging your ears.
The unique Amazon Echo Show smart speaker also boasts video calling capabilities. Source: Xiaomi.If you're an audio enthusiast, pay attention to features like room calibration and Dolby Atmos.
The first device is tailored for room sound balance, while the second device immerses you in 3D surround sound. You might consider linking multiple Atmos speakers for a complete effect.
Smart voice assistant platforms and services - Tailored to individual preferences
In recent years, virtual assistants have become familiar faces in many households. Source: Xiaomi.It's known that each brand will have a different virtual assistant, each programmed differently. They are invaluable aides in making calls, scheduling, playing requested music, and they work more efficiently when from the same provider.
Therefore, opt for a smart speaker product with the highest compatibility with third-party integrated devices.
Through a smart speaker, you can interact with your entire smart home setup. Source: Amazon.Certainly, there's an undeniable convenience when you can instruct your speaker to play a song, turn on lights, or provide you with the weather forecast.
Currently, there are three voice assistants that may be most familiar to us Vietnamese, each linked to a smart home platform: Samsung's Bixby, Google Assistant, and Apple's Siri (linked with HomeKit).
Apple HomePod mini. Source: Cnet.Google Assistant is the most widespread virtual assistant and the only one supporting YouTube Music. Bixby virtual assistant is familiar to Samsung product users, offering excellent support for speakers and compatible smart accessories.
Meanwhile, Siri is the exclusive virtual assistant for Apple devices, and the only smart speaker providing that 'privilege' is HomePod mini.
Connecting your smart devices through a smart speaker allows them to do more than their individual capabilities. You can ask your smart lock to automatically send a message to the smart thermostat to turn off the air conditioning every time you leave home, saving money on monthly electricity bills.
Smart Home Control Center - The 'Heart' of Smart Devices
Smart speakers play a crucial role in a smart home. Source: 9to5google.The smart home control center is considered the brain that connects smart devices in your home. To choose a suitable smart home hub based on your needs, start by determining which devices you want it to control.
Through a smart speaker, you can interact with your entire smart home setup. Source: Apple.If all you have is smart lights, you may not need a smart home hub.
However, let's say you're using smart lights along with a smart lock, and you want the lights to turn on every time the door opens at night. In that case, you'll need to equip yourself with a smart home hub.
Nest Audio. Image: GSMArena.You should also check the smart home devices (light bulbs, smart locks, etc.) you want to connect. If they all use Wi-Fi, then you can choose a smart home hub like Amazon Echo Dot gen 4 or Google Nest mini gen 2.
Conversely, if your smart home devices use Zigbee, Z-Wave, then you need to choose smart home hubs that support these protocols, such as Samsung Smarthings Hub gen 3...
Security and Privacy - User Concerns when Purchasing!
Security and privacy should also be considered for the safety of your family. Source: Xiaomi.Smart speakers are becoming the most common consumer electronics, and tech giants clearly want to seek more user information. Hence, third-party services alongside manufacturers make users feel more secure and private when using the devices.
Many feel bothered and wish to avoid services that want to know too much about them. Source: OLLI.Moreover, numerous tech companies like Google and Apple have faced close scrutiny from the public following privacy violations in recent years.
For instance, evidence reveals that both Google and Apple provided users' personal data to third-party advertisers. This has led many to feel annoyed and inclined to steer clear of services wanting to gather excessive information about them.
Illustration (Mi AI Speaker). Source: Xiaomi.You'll want to review privacy policies before committing to a platform. If you desire the tightest controls, smart speakers with intelligent virtual assistants often have options to delete recent voice requests.
However, it must be acknowledged that many tech companies are improving transparency regarding data usage on devices. Users specifically have the right to access, delete, and limit data collected about them on smart speakers through preset functionalities.
Smart Speakers Supporting Home Theater - An Intriguing Additional Feature
Smart speakers with connectivity standards for other projectors should also be noted. Source: LG.If you aim to use your smart speaker for TV audio to deliver an exceptionally high-quality entertainment experience, it's best to invest in a dedicated home theater system or soundbar for your TV.
They come with ideal connectivity options like HDMI or optical, while many regular smart speakers may lack even a 3.5 mm audio jack.
Sony WLA-NS7 Transmitter. Source: Gsmarena.You can also opt for a speaker system equipped with a HiFi setup featuring two independent speakers. Your smart speaker will act as the left and right speakers, providing a Hi-Fi quality system without the need for additional machinery. You can even listen to your Hi-Res music with the precision and detail of sound.
Redmi TV Soundbar. Image: Gizmochina.If you're interested in surround sound, opt for products with Dolby Atmos to envelop the entire large space, providing a vibrant audio experience, enhancing entertainment programs and tasks right in the comfort of your home.
Conclusion
From the above article, you've surely gained some insights into considerations when purchasing a smart speaker.
Anyone looking to 'hands-free' multitask at home will benefit from this product as smart speakers interact with you through voice, acting as a bridge connecting you to all other smart home devices. This makes it an easy-to-use tool to control everything in your home.
How about you? What's the most intriguing consideration for you? Leave a comment below for personalized advice!
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