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DarrenJ

122 posts

Master Geek


#274544 27-Aug-2020 22:19
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Hi

 

After some experiences from people on which device to go with.

 

I purchased a Google Nest mini for my home office, and was quite impressed by it.  The only thing that I didn't like it couldn't read my calendar (GSuite).  I can live with that though if that was the only thing.

 

Purchased a second one for the Lounge, then discovered that I can't invite my wife to it as she is part of my Google GSuite, and GSuite isn't supported by Google. Ideally want to use her voice to control her spotify and preferences, and mine for my stuff.

 

Tried creating a dedicated personal Gmail account for Google Home, and and shared it to a newly created personal Gmail for my wife, and then I couldn't voice control from my phone, and "rooms" didn't appear from the shared account. Just listed as other devices.  Plus it got really messy on our mobiles to have additional gmail accounts.

 

So after hours of tinkering trying to get a config that works, I'm thinking Amazon Echo Dot is a better way to go? 

 

I know it won't connect to my Chromecast, but I could replace with a FireTV? (never used one before)

 

I installed the Alexa app on my Samsung phone, and it could immediately connect to my Office365 calendar, and my GSuite with no issues (supports Google better than Google).  And connected to my Sengled bulbs fine.  I guess I have no experience on the speaker and voice profiles, etc.

 

Any experiences appreciated.

 

Cheers

 

DJ

 

 

 

 


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DarrenJ

122 posts

Master Geek


  #2551627 28-Aug-2020 21:48
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An update : (for others in the similar boat's)

 

I got a Echo Dot.    It connected really well with my GSuite stuff.  However to have voice profiles I have to have each Amazon account set to the US.  If I change one back to NZ, it disconnects the profile from the dot.  but the switching profiles works well.  Downside is any services are more US focussed (tv, etc...not that I know if that is even supported here).  I like the technical level the App goes it into, but it just doesn't feel as integrated as it could be on my Note9. It might be as I was previously spoilt with the Google nest integration.

 

Sound quality - something about the Google Nest just sounds better for music and it's voice. I'm far from an audiophile, but the Nest has just more clarity I found.  But lack of Google Suite support was the major offput, as I couldn't use multiple profiles.  Alexa sometimes didn't hear the wake up word, but the Nest always heard it's one.

 

 

 

Staying with Google Nest means migrating off GSuite for everything except email (I have a grandfathered free plan). might not be a bad thing, since things like YouTube Premium don't work on GSuite from what I've read. Probably tons of other things as well.   But it's a much nicer unit.

 

Staying with Alexa is keeping my account in the US.  Path of least resistance, but not as nice as Google Nest.

 

End verdict.   No idea which unit to build my ecosystem.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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