Alexa vs Google: The Smart Speaker Showdown
Kacper Jucha ‘23
Many may believe that Alexa and Google are both very similar devices: they help with everyday tasks, can order a Lyft, or perhaps help find a recipe. All this is true, however, these devices are quite different. Let us start with the simplest reason, they are both from different companies. Google is a company focused on providing internet solutions as well as personal services such as their Google Home and Nest products. Amazon, on the other hand, is focused on consumer consumption and selling their products. Although both companies strive to gain wealth, Amazon is a glorified Ebay, while Google is an upgraded Babushka (they know everything). So what distinguishes these smart devices from these two different companies? In fact, almost nothing; Alexa and Google provide you almost the exact same services, as stated on Consumer Watchdog. Google has a much more refined smart assistant, which can recognize more voices and phrases due to Google’s data collection. Alexa, on the other hand, requires a bit more memorization of ‘commands’ in order to get a response, however, will tell you when a package has arrived, and who does not want that? These devices have some distinguishing features that allow consumers to have options when choosing which one to purchase.
However, the largest similarity between these two spectacular devices is that they both collect information about you. Both speakers listen to you passively, not only to respond to their ‘wake’ word but also to recommend products and services to you. These speakers build a profile around you and listen to your every move. Before anyone reads this article, becomes paranoid, and throws out their Alexa or Google Home, so far this technology has proven quite useful. According to CBS Miami, police were able to determine that Adam Crespo killed his wife Silvia Crespo (second degree). This conclusion was made due to Alexa devices being present in the couple’s condo. The police, who obtained a warrant from a judge, were able to examine the recordings and make a conclusion about the case. Therefore, as much as you may be afraid or paranoid about these devices listening to your conversations, they may in fact help bring the truth to light. So having a smart speaker not only makes your life easier but may even be useful in legal circumstances. Nevertheless, users must accept that their speaker is building a profile around them, and perhaps is even counting the number of times you flush the toilet, yeah, weird.
Sources:
-https://www.consumerwatchdog.org/privacy-technology/how-google-and-amazon-are-spying-you