Google Home app vs. Alexa app

[CyberMedics]

General Purpose: Better understand Google  automation product offerings & control vs. Amazon Alexa eco system.

Background: Recently installed a smart window AC.  Knew immediately to go on the Alexa app, find appropriate skill & link the account.  Result was instant voice control of window AC.  Even though an avid user of Google products (Chromebook, android phones, Chrome browser, smart speakers....), it never was a consideration to put the AC on the Google eco system.

Google has it's own Nest product line. They also have a Home app (similar to Alexa app). There is also Google assistant (similar to Alexa), & Google assistant actions (similar to Alexa skills).   Not that familiar with Google's eco system & control.

Particularly interested in understanding why someone would use the Google's eco system for automation.  It seems, that users in general navigate to the Alexa eco system, because the benefits Google's offerings is not well understood.  I am one such user.  

[SmartHomeH-TAGS]

I find that the devices update their status faster in the Google Home app compared to Alexa.

Don't get me wrong as I love Alexa too, but Google has got some real good solutions for the smart home.

Google has "Lighting" and "Climate" shortcuts at the top of the Favourites page which can quicken your search for a device you don't use very often.

Controlling devices via a speaker can be easier too through Google if it's set up in a way where unique names aren't required...

https://youtube.com/shorts/5z69ruHrU3I?feature=share

[CyberMedics]

Have you found any specific advantages to Google Home App compared to Alexa...in particular to controlling  smart devices from other manufacturers? 

[SmartHomeH-TAGS]

With lights as an example in Google you can see its brightness and change it before you open the device. With Alexa it's only on or off functions.

When you do open it you can change the whiteness from candlelight to Daylight without pressing a button as you do in Alexa. 

It's only a slight advantage in functionality but every bit helps. 

But refreshing of status is the biggest advantage I experience and that's why I open Google Home more often than Alexa.

[CyberMedics]

Thank you for the insight.  Would you mind explaining refreshing of status? I’m not really familiar with what that means.

I do think the Alexa app has a poorly designed user interface.  Things are everywhere. Unless you’re familiar with it, not intuitive at all. Do you find the Google home app has a more intuitive user interface?

For lights with Alexa, I’ve only used the voice interface to change the brightness. That seems to work well. I have used the skills to set the brightness of the lights, depending upon the voice command.

Appreciate the dialogue.  Will have to jump into the Home app soon to get some hands-on experience.  Maybe I’ll do a comparison video on how easy it is to set up the smart window, air conditioner, in Alexa vice the home app of Google.

[SmartHomeH-TAGS]

By refreshing status I mean when you turn on a light or plug from a smart speaker or another app then you'll see that change in Google Home more reliably than Alexa.

The Alexa has a big advantage when you set an alarm, timer or reminder on a smart speaker then you'll see them in the Alexa app. You can also edit and make new reminders there too.

Quickly changing light brightness and colour with Alexa...

https://youtube.com/shorts/y6SzMwI7BhU?feature=share