Voice Control: Gadget or Gimmick? Amazon Echo Dot V Google Nest Mini

In this quick film I explain my experiences of setting up and using Google’s Nest Mini against Amazon’s Echo Dot and whether voice control is a Gadget or Gimmick?

Curve steepening features per dollar, the Dot trumps the Nest Mini, but not by a lot. But this isn’t really the point here. You can’t be serious these are proper HiFi speakers!!? – no they aren’t, but I’m using their voice control functionality to control HiFi like the Cyrus ONE Cast which uses chromecasting compatible voice control, as well as the Marantz PM7000N (used with Definitive Technology Demand D11 Speakers) where you can use services such as Spotify or Amazon Music. In 2020 HiFi manufacturers want to attract customers and what better way than to tie in with this technology.

These are just my experiences: I’m sure everyone will differ, but everybody can get on board at this kind of cash. Nothing to loose really!

Specifications

Amazon Echo Dot (3rd gen)

Fabric design and improved speaker for richer and louder sound.
Voice control music: stream songs from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, TuneIn and others. You can also listen to audiobooks from Audible.
Pair with a second Echo Dot for rich, stereo sound.
Multi Room platform
Ask Alexa to play music, answer questions, read the news, check the weather, set alarms, control compatible smart home devices etc..
Phone call compatibility
Voice controlled smart home: turn on lights, adjust thermostats, lock doors with compatible connected devices.
Privacy microphone on/off switch.
Compatibility : Alexa App is compatible with Fire OS, Android and iOS devices, and also accessible via web browser
Dual-band Wi-Fi supports 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4 and 5 GHz) networks.
3.5mm Audio Out (No digital output)
Size : 43 x 99 x 99 mm
Weight : 300g