Google’s dinky streaming dongle works like a charm with Google Home. Simply say what you want to see: Shout at your speaker to start playing Orange is the New Black from Netflix or cat videos from YouTube and watch it spring into action. In order to set up the Chromecast, you’ll need that Google Home app. It manages the whole system, picking up your spoken commands through the Home speaker and sending them over to your sensibly-labeled Chromecast (it needs an easily-understood name like “living room” or “study”). To set up the service, open the Home app and tap the menu button (the three horizontal lines on the top left). Choose More Settings and then hit either Music or Videos and Photos. At the moment, you can control a limited number of apps with voice commands: Google Home can play Netflix, Spotify, Google Play Music, and YouTube. However, more third-party programs may be able to sync with the smart speaker in the future. Google Chromecast, $35 (standard) or $70 (with 4K support)
For lighting: Philips Hue smart lights
If you’ve ever wanted to say, “Alexa, turn off the lights,” or “OK Google, turn the living room bright orange,” then the Philips Hue range has you covered. In addition to integrating with Alexa and Google Assistant, the bulbs can work with a dedicated app (for Android and iOS) to automatically switch on and off on timed schedules or create custom color combinations. You’ll find several different options under the Philips Hue umbrella, from simple white bulbs you can turn on and off to colored lightstrips you can configure to create a miniature disco. No matter what effect you’re hoping to achieve, you can find a lightbulb to suit your tastes. Philips Hue, $15 and up
For switches: Wemo Insight Smart Plugs
To use this Belkin product, you must first configure it through the Wemo app (for Android or iOS). Then you can set up smart-speaker control through the apps for Wemo, Google Home, or Alexa (for the latter, look in the app menu under the Smart Home heading to find the Smart Home Skills list). With that done, plug any device into the smart plug, and you’ll be able to turn it on or off with a simple voice command. You don’t even need a separate hub—just give each of your switches a recognizable name, so your smart speaker always knows which one you’re referring to. In addition to smart switches, Belkin’s Wemo line includes motion sensors, light switches, and other products that also integrate with smart speakers. And that range is still growing.
For temperature: Ecobee4 thermostat
Ecobee provides standard smart-thermostat features, such as controlling your home’s temperature from anywhere with your smartphone and targeting lone cold or hot spots in specific rooms. In addition, you can say simple voice commands to change the temperature and perform other functions, such as switching between pre-set modes and setting timers. Even without a speaker, you can still handle all these controls through the Ecobee app (for Android or [iOS). But to control this device through your speaker, you need to add it in the Google Home or Alexa app. Alternatively, chat directly to the thermostat itself: The Ecobee4 has Alexa on board, so you can use voice control without a smart speaker.
For security: August Smart Lock
With smart speaker integration, you can access key controls—like locking or unlocking specific doors and finding out which ones are locked—from the comfort of your sofa. Voice commands make this even easier than tapping buttons inside the phone app. And setting it up is relatively easy.
