There is no doubt that when we get older certain tasks can
be more complicated due to decreased vision, reduced mobility or other
difficulties derived from advanced age. To overcome these difficulties, the use
of so-called smart speakers (smart speakers) can contribute to improving the
quality of life of those over 65, especially if, in addition, these speakers
are complemented with other devices. From ANOVO we want to give you some ideas
on how Google Home for the elderly can significantly help them in their
day-to-day life.
What is Google Home and how is it sold?
Google Home is one of the smart speakers on the market and
whose operation is summarized in being a device connected to the home's WiFi
network that is perpetually listening, and whose virtual assistant service,
called Google Assistant, starts up when it hears a specific command - in this
case, " ok google " -, then offering the resolution of the query made
by the user by voice.
Therefore, when we talk about "Google Home" we
refer to the device, that is, the speaker, whose app for its configuration has
the same name.
There are currently four official smart speaker models
from Google:
•Google Home Mini: It is the most popular of the Google Home
devices. It is a small speaker that is operated by voice and with the most
affordable price. Ideal for small rooms.
•Nest Mini: it is the evolution of the Google Home Mini.
Identical to the naked eye. It is equally suitable for small stays.
•Google Home: it is a smart speaker whose operation is the
same as the Google Home Mini or Nest Mini, but that offers better sound
quality. Ideal for the living room or that room where we sit down to listen to
music.
•Nest Hub: It is an evolution of Google Home. It is a smart
speaker that incorporates a 7-inch screen, so that in addition to making voice
inquiries, we can see YouTube videos, Google Photos photos and relevant
information on it.
What is a virtual assistant?
If before we talked about "Google Home" being the
smart speaker, now we have to talk about the technology that makes them
"smart": virtual assistants.
It is important that if we are going to use Google Home for
the elderly we understand that virtual assistants are software based on artificial
intelligence that normally have the ability to communicate bi-directionally. In
other words, when we start a conversation with the assistant, we can ask him
questions and he can ask us too.
Google's virtual assistant is called “Google Assistant”, it
began to become popular in February 2017 when Google began to distribute it for
its Android operating system, and in May of that same year it could already be
downloaded for iOS (Apple). In July 2018 in Spain it began to be installed in
the first smart speakers that went on the market.
Google Assistant allows the person to interact with the
smart speaker through the natural voice, being able to make numerous requests
to the assistant , such as setting alarms, checking the weather, knowing the
traffic situation, telling jokes, making calls, knowing the latest sports
results or play music, among many others. You can see a list of some of these
actions on this website .
For this reason, a Google Home device for the elderly can
help on a day-to-day basis, especially if we also allow it to interact with
other devices.
Add smart devices like plugs and light bulbs
The good thing about Google Home is that there are many
devices at affordable prices that can be connected to the Wi-Fi of the house in
a simple way and that can also be controlled from Google Home. We recommend
three groups of these connected devices:
•Wi-Fi bulbs , also known as “smart bulbs”, are bulbs that
are put in the same way as a normal light bulb but that have the particularity
of being able to be activated by means of an app because they are connected to
the WiFi of the house. They have the gain of being able to regulate, change
color, or go from warm to cold light.
•Wi-Fi plugs , also known as “smart plugs”, are sockets that
allow the passage of electrical current or cut it through an app. They have the
advantage that many of them can be programmed, so, for example, they can be
used in a lamp so that it is always on at night in the house, or to connect a
small appliance such as a fan. It is important that appliances that use
electrical resistances (such as stoves, toasters, etc.) or with high electrical
consumption are not connected to these sockets. With these plugs thanks to
Google Home you can give commands such as "ok google, turn on the bedside
light" or "ok google, turn on the fan."
•Universal remote control: it is a small device (the most
popular is the Broadlink RM Mini) that has the configuration of the remote
controls of thousands of devices, acting as a universal remote control that is connected
to the Wi-Fi of the house. Through the app of these devices, not only are they
configured but they also turn the mobile into a remote control. It has the
advantage that it is synchronized with Google Home and we can use simple
commands such as “Ok google, turn off the air conditioning”, “Ok Google, turn
on the television”, “Ok Google, put channel 4 on the television” or “Ok Google,
turn on the robot vacuum ”(as long as it has a remote, of course). In short,
everything that has a remote control can be controlled through Google Home
thanks to this device.
In addition to these devices, we can find other very
interesting ones, such as water detectors in case there is a leak, humidifiers
or motors for the blinds in the house, compatible with Google Home.
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