Only new to smart home products so videos like these are really helpful. I chose apple HomeKit because our house has 4 iPhones, 3 iPads, an iMac and 1 Apple Watch. Easing my way into the smart home era.
That is great to hear Derek. Welcome to the smart home world. Good for you starting. Sounds like the HomeKit will be good for you. You are coming in at a good time. Over the past two years Apple has stepped up their game and there are more affordable options for devices.
Great video, Craig. I’ve gone all in on the Apple HomePod system after originally setting up several Amazon devices throughout the house. It was when my kids started to see ads about what they were talking about that I knew we needed act. As much as I love the ecosystem integration of Apple, nothing compares to the natural language operation of Alexa. Even 1.5 years into my switch, I find myself longing for the Alexa language mastery within Siri.
Hello Dr. Cole, I can understand the concern and wanting to make the switch. I feel that way everytime my wife mentions something weird happening and Facebook is running in the background. Alexa is still better on the speech and recognition side. I can see missing it. I think Apple is still catching up in that area. Thank you for sharing your experience.
I totally get that and I resisted buying the Echo Dot 5 until now. I have all the tracking turned off on my iPhone, iPad, MacBook, etc, and yet, I have conversations about random things and still get ads for that topic on my social media. I don’t trust Apple is as secure as they like to admit. Otherwise, how could that happen. I have voice activated Siri turned off as well for that very purpose, and yet, my conversations are somehow heard and marketed through social media. Apple is no better than the rest.
There is no decision to make. The best thing that trumps all things is on home pod you can tap to play/stop skip track etc. like headphones. Such an underrated feature.
Thanks for sharing that Vincent. I had not thought about how HomePods have the touch controls and you don't have them on the Echos. Good point. Thanks for watching.
I honestly think using a smart assistant to find info out is something that soon loses its novelty, which is why I don’t really put much stock in how ‘smart’ that part of an assistant is
Thanks to your videos, I have both in my house, along with Ring - 6 Echos and 2 HomePods. Got all of the Echos when they were on sale. Depending on what I’m doing depends on which one I use. I find it easier to stream things to multiple HomePods. Although using the Echo Link makes it easier to stream to all Echos in the house. Great videos Craig, keep doing what you’re doing.
Thank you very much 🙏 I appreciate you watching the videos. Glad to help play a part in getting both. I love that you are using them both. I think more people should do the same. I am with you on going between them depending on use. Thanks for sharing your experience.
I’m an apple user, iPhone 12, Apple Watch, Apple TV, AirPods, beats fit, etc, but i use Alexa devices currently just upgraded from a show 5 to a show 8! I just love how it works with so many smart devices and music services, like Apple Music and apple podcasts! Here in Canada amazon introduced Apple Music intergration to there products before the HomePod was in Canada! Also both products sound great as well and both echos and HomePods CAN work via sound with the Apple TV as well! So its a win, win situation!
You initial statement was correct. Get both, the mini and echo. They both have pros and cons. I would also recommend buying devices that work with both when possible.
Thanks Roger, glad to hear you are of the same thought. I hope more people give both a shot. You are so right about buying devices that work with both. I have been preaching that for the past 3+ years. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for watching.
Great video. One thing I (and others) are having trouble with is asking Siri requests like add to grocery list…HomePod tells me to authenticate the request on my iPhone. Plus it always asks who is speaking…All settings seem ok. Any ideas how to fix it?
I went with the echo, as there was a shortage on home pod mini during the pandemic. I like the sound quality on the echo 4, and I dont think I would go with the smaller home pod mini now. Looking on apple, the HomePods are readily available now. You mentioned that a larger home pod would be welcomed? Well the original home pod was full size, and more expensive. But it was a commercial failure, and it was discontinued after 3 years. So it seems Apple had to go cheaper.
I was team Alexa through and through.... but now im Team SIRI through and through. Replaced all my Echos for HomePod minis, and haven't looked back. That said... I find interoperability a pain in the ass and Matter cant come too soon. Right now I have to keep some Alexas as they are the only things that work with my Nest Thermostat and Ring Alarm system - the routines I have controlling them are essential.
@@Jay37_bake I half agree with you. my experience with HomePods is that they work well...when they work. But, when they don't work they are a nightmare and next to impossible to troubleshoot. For me, they seem to work OK 90-95% of the time but when they don't.. they don't.. That said they seem to fix themselves most the time. Alexa was not immune to these weird happenings and for me went wrong almost as much if not more - the difference being that you could just unplug and plug back in and mostly that fixed the problem there and then.
I’ve been team Alexa since they came out and have either a screened or regular echo device in every room but simply can’t take the forced content that amazon is shoving down the user’s throat. There’s simply no way to permanently disable the “by the way” and advertising on these devices. I’ve spent an hour going over this with their tech support and they refuse to budge. Anyway, though it’s an expensive proposition to convert everything over to Apple im thinking of doing it. Maybe start with one HomePod then more later. I already have iPhones and pads so it should work out.
@@randygreen007 worth a go. Although the HomePod software experience has been ropey to say the least.. they seem to be making improvements on stability etc. Siri is still Siri... and there are a lot of things the Echos can do in terms of device compatibility but now with the release of Matter... certainly all new devices will be HomeKit/Siri compatible or you can make a more informed purchase decision as to what to get. For me, I have the echo show 15 which ill never replace as its a great visual device for showing my Apple Calendar... BUT, im still frustrated waiting for decisions on Matter compatibility and software upgrades for my existing Ring alarm and Nest learning thermostat. For those two things I have to stick with Alexa routines for now.
I have 2 original Homepods and one Mini--had 2 Echoes and replaced one with the Mini. I found I used the Echo primarily for listening to Apple Music at night with a sleep timer (in the BR). I have Apple ecosystem--use the originals in stereo and use it for day to day use as timers, lists, send message or phone calls, music, radio stations, use Home apps (lights, etc)--never ask it for 'answers'. So--for me Homepods are the better--and I'm adding another Mini. I will agree that for one radio station I listen to (from Audacy via Apple music--from the TV show) I get really annoyed with Siri who always wants to choose their podcast instead of live. But--for now I have put it on touch and now just tap it to return to the station and pause it when I leave the room. Forgot to say--I do listen to podcasts, audible books (air play), other music apps--annoying to some because you may have to use air play.
Hey Craig, great video as always! Have you considered reviewing any of the Sonos speakers? I have a few and they are the best and work seamlessly. They have Alexa and Google integration as well. Keep up the great work!
Stick with the Apple Eco system, better than the rest. Future-Thread and Mesh-proof: easy to setup, responsive, great security, super integration, sexy, Siri is going mega soon, Apple TV combo is serenity sublime, Apple stereo sounds amazing, even my dog digs it, and on and on and on...
I wish Siri was as smart as Alexa, because I have apple products and I just want to connect them seamlessly. Thanks for cutting out Alexa in the video, lol
I have both in my house. However following WWDC I might just go all in on the HomePods if my smart devices become supported by HomeKit via thread. However I would have to keep my echo show devices as Apple don’t currently have and devices like the echo shows.
love Alexa make my life easier. Even on. The way home driving just open Amazon or Alexa app and turn everything on before I’m home. 3 party support make almost everything so smart
Team Alexa! Hooked up my house, my parent’s house, and my aunt’s house with Alexa! About the whole local control thing, I guess if I would go with Lutron for smart switches and Yale for a smart zigbee lock, I would have local control for what matters, which is lighting and security. I don’t care too much if Fire TV requests go through the cloud, for example.
@5:00 everyone doesn't need to share the same account on an echo. You can link/invite family members to your account and then you can say "Alexa, switch to Craig's account." and she'll link to all Craig's services. "Alexa, switch to Gary's account" and now i listen to my playlists.
I returned Mini Pod because I was using for iMac computer but kept disconnecting from computer. Going to try Echo gen 4 and plug into 3.5 jack Bluetooth is annoying telling you it's connected.
I like my echo, but my family is almost all Apple products. My Echos started having issues playing music from Apple Music, so we ended up retiring our Alexas and buying HomePods. I do wish Apple had a product like the Echo Show for my kitchen and next to my bed.
Sorry to hear your Echos started acting up. I hope the switch has been good. I too wish they had an echo show. I think they could do it right and the screen would be useful.
Craig if I buy Vocolinc lightbulbs to use in HomeKit, can I, also, pull the skull into Alexa as well? We have a divided home! Some of us prefer to use Siri to control thing’s, as where other family member’s prefer Alexa! I was thinking that after setting up in HomeKit that all I would need to do is import the skill in my Alexa App. Is my thinking on the right path? Thanks!
Craig I know this comment is in a pretty old video but came up in my resent search of echo and HomePods “together”. I was a long time alexa user, got tired of adds, follow ups etc and privacy ?s so went all in on HomeKit and HomePod minis. Now with matter heard my old echo 4th gens could be thread border routers so pulled out of box and set one back up. No wondering what next. Can I do more now with “both” and have more options or am I just asking for trouble trying to live in both worlds? Would love your perspective here!
I have many Alexa devices and a few HomeKit. I like both but use Alexa far more, particularly for calls by landline or mobile, (I live in the UK and not sure what they can do in the USA). These calls are free but is it not the case that calls through a HomeKit device use the iPhone? Subject to an individual’s contract, this could cost money to call, (not receive, obviously). I also call family using my Echo Show. I would ideally like them all to use FaceTime but that would mean them all signing up to an Apple iPhone or iPad. I feel that Amazon has created a more rounded, accessible system which will be hard to let go of. (Until, that is, AppleTV comes with a USB C slot to attach a webcam to and THEN I will make sure my family get this technology in their Christmas stockings!).
If you can registrer your "mobile" phone # ( not virtual phone# and must accept OTP to register) to your Amazon account , Amazon will use free VOIP to make outbound calls within/between Canada,USA,Mexico and UK with some restrictions. From Amazon: Note: Alexa Calling does not support calls to the following types of numbers: Emergency service numbers (for example "911") Premium-rate numbers (for example "1-900" numbers, or toll numbers) Three-digit numbers / abbreviated dial codes (for example "211") International numbers (numbers outside of the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Mexico) Dial-by-letter numbers (for example "1-800-FLOWERS")
@@rob4197 I didn’t know that calls were free from the UK to numbers in USA, Canada and Mexico over Alexa so another reason not to throw out my Echo devices, thanks!
@@clitheroeant And you can use the Echo speaker as a generic/universal bluetooth speaker. The Echo Dot 3rd gen is better than any laptop, tablet and phone speaker for example.
I have only paired Philips hue motion sensors directly to the echos. Everything else zigbee has been connected to the manufactures hub. I am sorry I am not much help.
Great comparison. I use an Amazon smart home system because I already had a Prime subscription and I only have ONE Apple device, my iPhone. I use a Eero Pro 6 router that has both a Zigbee and Thread (the latter only available if it's not in bridge mode, though) as the heart of my system. It works great. My best buddy loves Apple products, he has an iPhone and iPad Pro, plus Airpods, so it makes more sense for him to develop and HomeKit. He got interested in Smart Homes when he paid me a visit and I showed him my setup. I'll show him your video, as well to my cousin. I do have a question, though. If you were to compare Apple and Amazon, why not include Google? Isn't that the other member of the "Big Three" in Smart Home ecosystems?
Thank you very much. To answer your question, I don't spend enough time using Google to speak to it. I watch certain creators and when I see them do a HomeKit comparison, I can't take them seriously because I know they don't use Apple products. At times I feel like they are covering a topic they don't know well because they should. I don't want to do that. I do not spend enough regular time with Google to speak intelligently for a proper comparison. Glad to hear you Eero Pro 6 is working well. That is a great router. I have been very happy with mine. That is great you got your buddy interested. It is fun when someone sees your smart stuff and gets excited to start their home.
Siri for controlling my nanoleaf thread lights, for controlling my apple tv, for reminders and for music. Alexa because my AC and Philips Air Purifier doesn't work with Apple homekit. I tried to use Alexa as main assistant before, but the fact that you can't do basic stuff like saving a song in my playlist from Spotify is a big turn off, that's why I switched to Apple music and Apple homepod and decided to buy nanoleaf thread light bulbs and lightstrip.
I have a question for you. Currently I use the Harmony hub integrated with my Alexa that will allow me to turn on/off my TV, PlayStation four, fire TV cube, and Apple TV with my voice. Recently the harmony hub is not working right. Do you have any suggestions of a hub that will allow me to integrate with Alexa and do the same control functionality.
Hello, good to see you. I would consider either the Aqara hub. It has infrared emitters. amzn.to/3NZ7pfH (Amazon affiliate link). With Aqara you can pair their sensors to the hub. There motion and door sensors work with Alexa. The other would be SwitchBot Hub. It too also gas IR and can be paired to their devices. amzn.to/3HtAJbK. Aqara if great because pretty much all of their stuff works with HomeKit too. Hopefully that helps.
Team Siri here. I really hate the “suggestions” that Alexa keeps insisting on showing me on the screen of the Show I have in the kitchen, as well as the things she keeps pushing at me by voice-all of these despite my turning off everything I can find to turn off on the Show. The only reason I keep the Show set up is that I frequently want to set up multiple timers while cooking and Siri is STILL too brain-damaged to handle more than one timer simultaneously. Why, Apple? Seriously, why???? The other thing that’s nice about the Show is its screen lets me see the timer count down. The lack of a screen on the HomePod makes this impossible using the speaker but I COULD set up an iPad in the kitchen to run the Home App (so I can manually control my lights, etc.) and show timers. The sticky wicket remains the fact that I am limited to a single timer. AAPL are you listening? How hard can it be to program Siri to handle multiple timers? That said, overall Siri works much better for me, Apple junkie that I am, and I’m content to stick with the growing list of HomeKit-compatible accessories, since they tend to be better thought out, better built, and more consistent in the way they work. And, yes, I agree with the person who complained about interoperability. It is a royal pain to have to set up each of my Hue lights/accessories in the Hue App (which is a s*ck-y piece of software) before I can use them in Apple’s Home App.
You can set multiple timers with HomePods. You just add a name to the timer. Craig did a video on that previously. If you say, 'Siri, set a 10 minute pizza timer,' and then say 'Siri, set a 4 minute ramen timer' you will have two timers going. You can make as many as you want. I don't think you will get any way to visually check the timers, however. If you try the same thing on the phone or iPad it tries to replace previous timers.
I had tons of Amazon Echos…but they now are too “talky” and too much blah blah. I’ve now outfitted my home with Google “Hey Google” Home Assistant devices. Much much smarter devices! Much!!
I wanted a home pod but with so many hoops to jump through, even Google is easier. I set each smart device up in all three apps. Alexa worked with the most. Google failed on one. HomeKit didn’t take any. I shouldn’t have to spend money to get it to work, such as hoobs. So a $99 device is really $300. Amazon ignores customers so I am not exactly a fan, either. 6 calls this week to Amazon. 1 sounded stoned, 4 didn’t understand enough English to deviate from script. 6th was able to handle everything. Apple understands me, if I survive the phone tree, lol. A Google mini is next. I use some simple automations, I don’t play music or look up recipes on these (I already have an iPad and a tv so those uses are redundant). The big three need to work out their issue, lol. It keeps me from investing in more than some smart plugs and a doorbell.
I think a lot of it comes down to the smart devices you buy. Whenever possible I buy new devices that support all assistants. if you have native HomeKit devices, they are easy to add into HomeKit. A think that is going to help a lot are new Matter devices that work with all the assistants. That way you can take advantage of all the assistants and use each for what they do best.
Can we add custom commands in Homepod? Like when I say "Hay siri, set an early Alarm" it will set an alarm for 7am tomorrow.. Can we do that? I'm using alexa and thinking for a switch, so I need to kjow if we can use custom commands..
Siri will recognize commands like that. The thing where custom commands lacks is in Home Automations. But if you are making request you shouldn't see much of a difference. Siri does offer a more personal experience accessing information from your account.
@@CraigsTechTalk No no let me explain it a little more.. with my Alexa, I have a custom voice command, when I say "Alexa do Avra-Kadavra" (from Harry potter) it turns off all the lights. Can I do the same with Siri?
You can create a scene called Avra-Kadavaria. The command would be “Hey Siri, Avra-Kadavaria” and that scene will run. If you can have your lights and colors saved at any levels in the scene. If you need to trigger other things you can write a shortcut that could do all of that and other actions on your phone.
@@CraigsTechTalk I've checked that on my phone but it never catches the phrase.. And one more thing. Please do some complex and advanced automations now. I have some idea to execute. Don't know if it's possible anywhere.. 1. Like, before sunset I have my lights on automatically. But I need homepod or alexa to ask me if I want to turn on the light? Like custom asking automations with if-else conditions.. 2. We have native NFC support in Apple + homepod intigration. But I saw some videos where we can do that too with alexa with webhooks. But not much quick and explanatory videos are out there.. Please check if you can do that. Thank you 😊.
I'm apple user but I'm disappointed for mini homepod the sound that why a got echo studio and echo show 8 a used together sound amazing very sad when apple disc the regular homepod they should upgraded give more freedom like bluetooth connection but see on the future maybe they coming back
Hello Oscar, it is disappointing there is no full-size HomePod to compete with the Studio. Hopefully we will see it comeback in the fall or early next year. I would love to see an echo show version.
I have two Echoes and two Home Pod minis and I have to say that the Echoes are far superior in sound quality and functionality. I'm deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem having multiple Macs, iPads, iPhones, etc. The minis work half the time. The Home app interferes with the Apple Music app and the Home Pods will start playing music from the Home app for some crazy reason. It took a while to figure out what was happening as the playlist they were playing wasn't even on Apple Music. When I do get them to play an Apple Music playlist, they cut out for no reason and have to be re-linked to my phone. They're horrible and the sound quality is not even close to the Echo.
Hello George, thank you for sharing your experience. I am sorry to hear that it has been so bad for you. Glad to hear the Echos are taking care of you.
@@CraigsTechTalk Thanks. No need to apologize. It is what it is. I've been using Apple products since 1984 and over the years I've owned about 30 computers from the SE to the new Mac Studio, and every other gadget they've come out with. Having said that, I think I'm pretty experienced with Apple products so I have to say that the Home Pod Mini is one of the worst products they've ever come out with (beat out the Apple Newton that I owned briefly). I returned the first set because I could not pair them, even with Apple tech support on the phone for over two hours.
I think Apple TV is the best for TV. Alexa makes the best overall assistant and is very open for the smart home. Apple has a horrible overall assistant, with HomeKit focusing on just the smart home side. I think there is room for both. I want my smart home and streaming devices to be Apple TV and HomeKit. But echos and Alexa are great for all the assistant things I may want. Thank you for watching
I prefer team Siri but my wife is team Alexa so I have both unfortunately. I told my wife that eventually everything will be moved to HomeKit but she looked at me like 😐
No brainier Alexa despite I am on Apple echo system but Hands Down Siri sucks & cannot be called an assistant, can’t use on iPhones either. Secondly there are many more devices which are far more affordable & easily connect to Alexa
9:09 I have to disagree with this statement. Apple doesn't need to make a dedicated Home Pod with a screen. They already have iPads that will accomplish the same exact goals. So if you need a screen, get an iPad.
Only new to smart home products so videos like these are really helpful. I chose apple HomeKit because our house has 4 iPhones, 3 iPads, an iMac and 1 Apple Watch. Easing my way into the smart home era.
That is great to hear Derek. Welcome to the smart home world. Good for you starting. Sounds like the HomeKit will be good for you. You are coming in at a good time. Over the past two years Apple has stepped up their game and there are more affordable options for devices.
Great video, Craig. I’ve gone all in on the Apple HomePod system after originally setting up several Amazon devices throughout the house. It was when my kids started to see ads about what they were talking about that I knew we needed act.
As much as I love the ecosystem integration of Apple, nothing compares to the natural language operation of Alexa. Even 1.5 years into my switch, I find myself longing for the Alexa language mastery within Siri.
Hello Dr. Cole, I can understand the concern and wanting to make the switch. I feel that way everytime my wife mentions something weird happening and Facebook is running in the background.
Alexa is still better on the speech and recognition side. I can see missing it. I think Apple is still catching up in that area. Thank you for sharing your experience.
I totally get that and I resisted buying the Echo Dot 5 until now. I have all the tracking turned off on my iPhone, iPad, MacBook, etc, and yet, I have conversations about random things and still get ads for that topic on my social media. I don’t trust Apple is as secure as they like to admit. Otherwise, how could that happen. I have voice activated Siri turned off as well for that very purpose, and yet, my conversations are somehow heard and marketed through social media. Apple is no better than the rest.
Yy
There is no decision to make.
The best thing that trumps all things is on home pod you can tap to play/stop skip track etc. like headphones. Such an underrated feature.
Thanks for sharing that Vincent. I had not thought about how HomePods have the touch controls and you don't have them on the Echos. Good point. Thanks for watching.
Team Siri even tho Siri annoys me lol
I know what you mean.
I honestly think using a smart assistant to find info out is something that soon loses its novelty, which is why I don’t really put much stock in how ‘smart’ that part of an assistant is
Great point. I am right there with you Gareth. It is too slow, limited and clunky.
Yeah I just want one of these for smart home stuff
Thanks to your videos, I have both in my house, along with Ring - 6 Echos and 2 HomePods. Got all of the Echos when they were on sale. Depending on what I’m doing depends on which one I use. I find it easier to stream things to multiple HomePods. Although using the Echo Link makes it easier to stream to all Echos in the house. Great videos Craig, keep doing what you’re doing.
Thank you very much 🙏 I appreciate you watching the videos. Glad to help play a part in getting both. I love that you are using them both. I think more people should do the same. I am with you on going between them depending on use. Thanks for sharing your experience.
I’m an apple user, iPhone 12, Apple Watch, Apple TV, AirPods, beats fit, etc, but i use Alexa devices currently just upgraded from a show 5 to a show 8! I just love how it works with so many smart devices and music services, like Apple Music and apple podcasts! Here in Canada amazon introduced Apple Music intergration to there products before the HomePod was in Canada! Also both products sound great as well and both echos and HomePods CAN work via sound with the Apple TV as well! So its a win, win situation!
You initial statement was correct. Get both, the mini and echo. They both have pros and cons. I would also recommend buying devices that work with both when possible.
Thanks Roger, glad to hear you are of the same thought. I hope more people give both a shot. You are so right about buying devices that work with both. I have been preaching that for the past 3+ years. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for watching.
Great video. One thing I (and others) are having trouble with is asking Siri requests like add to grocery list…HomePod tells me to authenticate the request on my iPhone. Plus it always asks who is speaking…All settings seem ok. Any ideas how to fix it?
Team Alexa! I setup my whole apartment thanks to your videos. I need more videos lol
I went with the echo, as there was a shortage on home pod mini during the pandemic. I like the sound quality on the echo 4, and I dont think I would go with the smaller home pod mini now.
Looking on apple, the HomePods are readily available now.
You mentioned that a larger home pod would be welcomed? Well the original home pod was full size, and more expensive. But it was a commercial failure, and it was discontinued after 3 years. So it seems Apple had to go cheaper.
I love your channel I’ve watched every one of your home pod videos
I was team Alexa through and through.... but now im Team SIRI through and through.
Replaced all my Echos for HomePod minis, and haven't looked back.
That said... I find interoperability a pain in the ass and Matter cant come too soon. Right now I have to keep some Alexas as they are the only things that work with my Nest Thermostat and Ring Alarm system - the routines I have controlling them are essential.
@@Jay37_bake I half agree with you.
my experience with HomePods is that they work well...when they work. But, when they don't work they are a nightmare and next to impossible to troubleshoot.
For me, they seem to work OK 90-95% of the time but when they don't.. they don't.. That said they seem to fix themselves most the time.
Alexa was not immune to these weird happenings and for me went wrong almost as much if not more - the difference being that you could just unplug and plug back in and mostly that fixed the problem there and then.
I’ve been team Alexa since they came out and have either a screened or regular echo device in every room but simply can’t take the forced content that amazon is shoving down the user’s throat. There’s simply no way to permanently disable the “by the way” and advertising on these devices. I’ve spent an hour going over this with their tech support and they refuse to budge. Anyway, though it’s an expensive proposition to convert everything over to Apple im thinking of doing it. Maybe start with one HomePod then more later. I already have iPhones and pads so it should work out.
@@randygreen007 worth a go. Although the HomePod software experience has been ropey to say the least.. they seem to be making improvements on stability etc. Siri is still Siri... and there are a lot of things the Echos can do in terms of device compatibility but now with the release of Matter... certainly all new devices will be HomeKit/Siri compatible or you can make a more informed purchase decision as to what to get.
For me, I have the echo show 15 which ill never replace as its a great visual device for showing my Apple Calendar...
BUT, im still frustrated waiting for decisions on Matter compatibility and software upgrades for my existing Ring alarm and Nest learning thermostat. For those two things I have to stick with Alexa routines for now.
Definitely team HomeKit solely for the Apple integration and I hate the Alexa app.
The Alexa app needs an overhaul big time.
I have 2 original Homepods and one Mini--had 2 Echoes and replaced one with the Mini. I found I used the Echo primarily for listening to Apple Music at night with a sleep timer (in the BR). I have Apple ecosystem--use the originals in stereo and use it for day to day use as timers, lists, send message or phone calls, music, radio stations, use Home apps (lights, etc)--never ask it for 'answers'. So--for me Homepods are the better--and I'm adding another Mini. I will agree that for one radio station I listen to (from Audacy via Apple music--from the TV show) I get really annoyed with Siri who always wants to choose their podcast instead of live. But--for now I have put it on touch and now just tap it to return to the station and pause it when I leave the room.
Forgot to say--I do listen to podcasts, audible books (air play), other music apps--annoying to some because you may have to use air play.
I’ve got both because I found a really cheap echo speaker but couldn’t let go of my HomePod at the same time
Hey Craig, great video as always! Have you considered reviewing any of the Sonos speakers? I have a few and they are the best and work seamlessly. They have Alexa and Google integration as well. Keep up the great work!
Stick with the Apple Eco system, better than the rest.
Future-Thread and Mesh-proof: easy to setup, responsive,
great security, super integration, sexy,
Siri is going mega soon,
Apple TV combo is serenity sublime, Apple
stereo sounds amazing, even my dog digs it,
and on and on and on...
I am with you there CJ.
I wish Siri was as smart as Alexa, because I have apple products and I just want to connect them seamlessly.
Thanks for cutting out Alexa in the video, lol
What should i get i moved from android to ios then i have alot of smart home stuff that support google alexa but doesnt support siri
I want 4 speakers and play to them at the same time without any smart assistant is that possible
I have both in my house. However following WWDC I might just go all in on the HomePods if my smart devices become supported by HomeKit via thread. However I would have to keep my echo show devices as Apple don’t currently have and devices like the echo shows.
Thanks Craig. Currently, I am team Alexa.
Team Alexa is where it all started for me. That is why I couldn’t switch away completely.
Hi will Siri answer questions to other people that not connected to iPod mini as I am worried about security
love Alexa make my life easier. Even on. The way home driving just open Amazon or Alexa app and turn everything on before I’m home. 3 party support make almost everything so smart
Team Alexa! Hooked up my house, my parent’s house, and my aunt’s house with Alexa! About the whole local control thing, I guess if I would go with Lutron for smart switches and Yale for a smart zigbee lock, I would have local control for what matters, which is lighting and security. I don’t care too much if Fire TV requests go through the cloud, for example.
@5:00 everyone doesn't need to share the same account on an echo. You can link/invite family members to your account and then you can say "Alexa, switch to Craig's account." and she'll link to all Craig's services. "Alexa, switch to Gary's account" and now i listen to my playlists.
Team Siri
I returned Mini Pod because I was using for iMac computer but kept disconnecting from computer. Going to try Echo gen 4 and plug into 3.5 jack Bluetooth is annoying telling you it's connected.
If I ask Siri on the HomePod will it set all my Apple devices off though? And can I use HomePod to turn my lights different colours?
I like my echo, but my family is almost all Apple products. My Echos started having issues playing music from Apple Music, so we ended up retiring our Alexas and buying HomePods. I do wish Apple had a product like the Echo Show for my kitchen and next to my bed.
Sorry to hear your Echos started acting up. I hope the switch has been good. I too wish they had an echo show. I think they could do it right and the screen would be useful.
Craig if I buy Vocolinc lightbulbs to use in HomeKit, can I, also, pull the skull into Alexa as well?
We have a divided home! Some of us prefer to use Siri to control thing’s, as where other family member’s prefer Alexa!
I was thinking that after setting up in HomeKit that all I would need to do is import the skill in my Alexa App. Is my thinking on the right path? Thanks!
Craig I know this comment is in a pretty old video but came up in my resent search of echo and HomePods “together”. I was a long time alexa user, got tired of adds, follow ups etc and privacy ?s so went all in on HomeKit and HomePod minis. Now with matter heard my old echo 4th gens could be thread border routers so pulled out of box and set one back up. No wondering what next. Can I do more now with “both” and have more options or am I just asking for trouble trying to live in both worlds? Would love your perspective here!
I have iphone, ipad, apple tv 4k but no homepod. I'm still not sold on the "smart" speaker thing yet.
My conclusion is both as well!!
I have many Alexa devices and a few HomeKit. I like both but use Alexa far more, particularly for calls by landline or mobile, (I live in the UK and not sure what they can do in the USA). These calls are free but is it not the case that calls through a HomeKit device use the iPhone? Subject to an individual’s contract, this could cost money to call, (not receive, obviously). I also call family using my Echo Show. I would ideally like them all to use FaceTime but that would mean them all signing up to an Apple iPhone or iPad. I feel that Amazon has created a more rounded, accessible system which will be hard to let go of. (Until, that is, AppleTV comes with a USB C slot to attach a webcam to and THEN I will make sure my family get this technology in their Christmas stockings!).
If you can registrer your "mobile" phone # ( not virtual phone# and must accept OTP to register) to your Amazon account , Amazon will use free VOIP to make outbound calls within/between Canada,USA,Mexico and UK with some restrictions.
From Amazon:
Note: Alexa Calling does not support calls to the following types of numbers:
Emergency service numbers (for example "911")
Premium-rate numbers (for example "1-900" numbers, or toll numbers)
Three-digit numbers / abbreviated dial codes (for example "211")
International numbers (numbers outside of the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Mexico)
Dial-by-letter numbers (for example "1-800-FLOWERS")
@@rob4197 I didn’t know that calls were free from the UK to numbers in USA, Canada and Mexico over Alexa so another reason not to throw out my Echo devices, thanks!
@@clitheroeant And you can use the Echo speaker as a generic/universal bluetooth speaker. The Echo Dot 3rd gen is better than any laptop, tablet and phone speaker for example.
Great review!!!!!
Thank you Curtis🙏 I appreciate you watching it.
Can you mention what Zigbee sensors to work with the Echo 4th Gen?
I have only paired Philips hue motion sensors directly to the echos. Everything else zigbee has been connected to the manufactures hub. I am sorry I am not much help.
Team Siri. We’re tied up with the Apple ecosystem.
Can you control your HomePod Mini even when the internet is down?
Yes it will work in limited capacity. You can control smart devices and airplay music.
Great comparison. I use an Amazon smart home system because I already had a Prime subscription and I only have ONE Apple device, my iPhone. I use a Eero Pro 6 router that has both a Zigbee and Thread (the latter only available if it's not in bridge mode, though) as the heart of my system. It works great.
My best buddy loves Apple products, he has an iPhone and iPad Pro, plus Airpods, so it makes more sense for him to develop and HomeKit. He got interested in Smart Homes when he paid me a visit and I showed him my setup. I'll show him your video, as well to my cousin.
I do have a question, though. If you were to compare Apple and Amazon, why not include Google? Isn't that the other member of the "Big Three" in Smart Home ecosystems?
Thank you very much. To answer your question, I don't spend enough time using Google to speak to it. I watch certain creators and when I see them do a HomeKit comparison, I can't take them seriously because I know they don't use Apple products. At times I feel like they are covering a topic they don't know well because they should. I don't want to do that. I do not spend enough regular time with Google to speak intelligently for a proper comparison.
Glad to hear you Eero Pro 6 is working well. That is a great router. I have been very happy with mine. That is great you got your buddy interested. It is fun when someone sees your smart stuff and gets excited to start their home.
My HomeKit keeps saying my hue devices are not responding.
Apple needs to get on the ball. It feels like they are missing out on a huge market that is still in infancy.
Do you know when Sling will come to the Echo Shows?
I don't know. They announced that in the fall with the Echo Show 15.
Siri for controlling my nanoleaf thread lights, for controlling my apple tv, for reminders and for music. Alexa because my AC and Philips Air Purifier doesn't work with Apple homekit. I tried to use Alexa as main assistant before, but the fact that you can't do basic stuff like saving a song in my playlist from Spotify is a big turn off, that's why I switched to Apple music and Apple homepod and decided to buy nanoleaf thread light bulbs and lightstrip.
Team Edward!!!
Wait, where am I? 😐
Team Siri but I have several more echoes because they were inexpensive and got there first. As time goes on I plan to phase them out in favor of HPM
Thanks for sharing Dan. More people are doing the phase out the Echos. Its good you are using both. You can see the benefits of each as they progress.
I have a question for you. Currently I use the Harmony hub integrated with my Alexa that will allow me to turn on/off my TV, PlayStation four, fire TV cube, and Apple TV with my voice. Recently the harmony hub is not working right. Do you have any suggestions of a hub that will allow me to integrate with Alexa and do the same control functionality.
Hello, good to see you. I would consider either the Aqara hub. It has infrared emitters. amzn.to/3NZ7pfH (Amazon affiliate link). With Aqara you can pair their sensors to the hub. There motion and door sensors work with Alexa.
The other would be SwitchBot Hub. It too also gas IR and can be paired to their devices. amzn.to/3HtAJbK. Aqara if great because pretty much all of their stuff works with HomeKit too. Hopefully that helps.
@@CraigsTechTalk Thank you!
HomePod all the way!
Team Siri here. I really hate the “suggestions” that Alexa keeps insisting on showing me on the screen of the Show I have in the kitchen, as well as the things she keeps pushing at me by voice-all of these despite my turning off everything I can find to turn off on the Show. The only reason I keep the Show set up is that I frequently want to set up multiple timers while cooking and Siri is STILL too brain-damaged to handle more than one timer simultaneously. Why, Apple? Seriously, why????
The other thing that’s nice about the Show is its screen lets me see the timer count down. The lack of a screen on the HomePod makes this impossible using the speaker but I COULD set up an iPad in the kitchen to run the Home App (so I can manually control my lights, etc.) and show timers. The sticky wicket remains the fact that I am limited to a single timer. AAPL are you listening? How hard can it be to program Siri to handle multiple timers?
That said, overall Siri works much better for me, Apple junkie that I am, and I’m content to stick with the growing list of HomeKit-compatible accessories, since they tend to be better thought out, better built, and more consistent in the way they work. And, yes, I agree with the person who complained about interoperability. It is a royal pain to have to set up each of my Hue lights/accessories in the Hue App (which is a s*ck-y piece of software) before I can use them in Apple’s Home App.
You can set multiple timers with HomePods. You just add a name to the timer. Craig did a video on that previously. If you say, 'Siri, set a 10 minute pizza timer,' and then say 'Siri, set a 4 minute ramen timer' you will have two timers going. You can make as many as you want. I don't think you will get any way to visually check the timers, however. If you try the same thing on the phone or iPad it tries to replace previous timers.
@@christianhotter Thank you SO much! That's wonderful. I either missed that video from Craig--or maybe forgot it.
I had tons of Amazon Echos…but they now are too “talky” and too much blah blah. I’ve now outfitted my home with Google “Hey Google” Home Assistant devices. Much much smarter devices! Much!!
They have become way to talky. I can't blame you for switching. Good to hear Google is working better for you.
I wanted a home pod but with so many hoops to jump through, even Google is easier. I set each smart device up in all three apps. Alexa worked with the most. Google failed on one. HomeKit didn’t take any. I shouldn’t have to spend money to get it to work, such as hoobs. So a $99 device is really $300. Amazon ignores customers so I am not exactly a fan, either. 6 calls this week to Amazon. 1 sounded stoned, 4 didn’t understand enough English to deviate from script. 6th was able to handle everything. Apple understands me, if I survive the phone tree, lol. A Google mini is next. I use some simple automations, I don’t play music or look up recipes on these (I already have an iPad and a tv so those uses are redundant). The big three need to work out their issue, lol. It keeps me from investing in more than some smart plugs and a doorbell.
I think a lot of it comes down to the smart devices you buy. Whenever possible I buy new devices that support all assistants. if you have native HomeKit devices, they are easy to add into HomeKit. A think that is going to help a lot are new Matter devices that work with all the assistants. That way you can take advantage of all the assistants and use each for what they do best.
Can we add custom commands in Homepod?
Like when I say "Hay siri, set an early Alarm" it will set an alarm for 7am tomorrow.. Can we do that?
I'm using alexa and thinking for a switch, so I need to kjow if we can use custom commands..
Yup!
Siri will recognize commands like that. The thing where custom commands lacks is in Home Automations. But if you are making request you shouldn't see much of a difference. Siri does offer a more personal experience accessing information from your account.
@@CraigsTechTalk No no let me explain it a little more..
with my Alexa, I have a custom voice command, when I say "Alexa do Avra-Kadavra" (from Harry potter) it turns off all the lights.
Can I do the same with Siri?
You can create a scene called Avra-Kadavaria. The command would be “Hey Siri, Avra-Kadavaria” and that scene will run. If you can have your lights and colors saved at any levels in the scene. If you need to trigger other things you can write a shortcut that could do all of that and other actions on your phone.
@@CraigsTechTalk I've checked that on my phone but it never catches the phrase..
And one more thing. Please do some complex and advanced automations now. I have some idea to execute. Don't know if it's possible anywhere..
1. Like, before sunset I have my lights on automatically. But I need homepod or alexa to ask me if I want to turn on the light? Like custom asking automations with if-else conditions..
2. We have native NFC support in Apple + homepod intigration. But I saw some videos where we can do that too with alexa with webhooks. But not much quick and explanatory videos are out there..
Please check if you can do that. Thank you 😊.
Alexa for the win! Apple can "bite me"...see what I did there?
I see it and love it. Thanks for watching.
I'm apple user but I'm disappointed for mini homepod the sound that why a got echo studio and echo show 8 a used together sound amazing very sad when apple disc the regular homepod they should upgraded give more freedom like bluetooth connection but see on the future maybe they coming back
Hello Oscar, it is disappointing there is no full-size HomePod to compete with the Studio. Hopefully we will see it comeback in the fall or early next year. I would love to see an echo show version.
I have two Echoes and two Home Pod minis and I have to say that the Echoes are far superior in sound quality and functionality. I'm deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem having multiple Macs, iPads, iPhones, etc. The minis work half the time. The Home app interferes with the Apple Music app and the Home Pods will start playing music from the Home app for some crazy reason. It took a while to figure out what was happening as the playlist they were playing wasn't even on Apple Music. When I do get them to play an Apple Music playlist, they cut out for no reason and have to be re-linked to my phone. They're horrible and the sound quality is not even close to the Echo.
Hello George, thank you for sharing your experience. I am sorry to hear that it has been so bad for you. Glad to hear the Echos are taking care of you.
@@CraigsTechTalk Thanks. No need to apologize. It is what it is. I've been using Apple products since 1984 and over the years I've owned about 30 computers from the SE to the new Mac Studio, and every other gadget they've come out with. Having said that, I think I'm pretty experienced with Apple products so I have to say that the Home Pod Mini is one of the worst products they've ever come out with (beat out the Apple Newton that I owned briefly). I returned the first set because I could not pair them, even with Apple tech support on the phone for over two hours.
Team Alexa for sure.
Very cool Reggie. Thanks for watching.
Apple has a better reputation for security and privacy......could've sworn they've had very big problems with that.
Apple definitely has the best reputation for privacy and security.
@@CraigsTechTalk thank you for the clarification, never owned an apple product.
It seems like the alexa is better for the home system but Apple TV better for the tv
I think Apple TV is the best for TV. Alexa makes the best overall assistant and is very open for the smart home. Apple has a horrible overall assistant, with HomeKit focusing on just the smart home side. I think there is room for both. I want my smart home and streaming devices to be Apple TV and HomeKit. But echos and Alexa are great for all the assistant things I may want. Thank you for watching
I prefer team Siri but my wife is team Alexa so I have both unfortunately. I told my wife that eventually everything will be moved to HomeKit but she looked at me like 😐
I know how you feel. Getting my wife to Siri is going to be tough. Good luck my friend.
No brainier Alexa despite I am on Apple echo system but Hands Down Siri sucks & cannot be called an assistant, can’t use on iPhones either.
Secondly there are many more devices which are far more affordable & easily connect to Alexa
team siri all the way
Nice. It is a great team.
9:09 I have to disagree with this statement. Apple doesn't need to make a dedicated Home Pod with a screen. They already have iPads that will accomplish the same exact goals. So if you need a screen, get an iPad.
Alexa is actually better
I’ve got both because I found a really cheap echo speaker but couldn’t let go of my HomePod at the same time
I can understand that. I see them as two different devices. The HomePod is a smart home device and controller. Alexa is now an assistant.