Got a Google Home Mini - Now What Next to Make My Home Smart

dealover on 13/06/2018 - 11:46

Hi Guys
I got a google home mini and now tempted to add some smart features in my home. I've tried reading a lot on lights etc but obviously not smart enough to understand how to do it.

I want to understand how you guys use Google Home / Voice to run your lights and examples please.
Did you get a device that runs all this for you and use use an app ?
Or did you get a bulb from LIFX which I believe you do not use an app for.

Just hoping to read more personal experiences and then use it in my life.

Obviously looking value for money and not too much of a big budget.

Just hope to put it in a couple of rooms etc so not that many.

Thanks in advance.

Electrical & Electronics Google Speakers Voice Assistant

Comments

  • singlemalt72 on 13/06/2018 - 11:54
    +1

    Yeelights for lighting
    Very simple using the Yeelight app and/or IFTTT

  • CyberMurning on 13/06/2018 - 12:03
    +1

    'Got a Google Home Mini - Now What Next to Make My Home Smart"

    you need to be smart first :D

  • Jayjay93 on 13/06/2018 - 12:25
    +1

    Mostly using it for lights / TV

    Planning to add something to control the air con also

    • singlemalt72 on 13/06/2018 - 12:28
      +1

      I bought a harmony hub to control the entertainment systems and have been trying to use it to operate the AC - it has been a bit clunky so far and doesn't always turn off. It seems that some units handle external IR blasters better than others, there is even variance within a model line as to how they behave.

  • trustnoone on 13/06/2018 - 13:16
    +2

    I use the chromecast and CEC to my tv to get google home to turn on my tv, switch on Stan and play a tv show, or to just switch off the tv while I'm trying to find the remote lol or to turn off the tv when I'm in bed.

    I also use it a lot for playing music, have it connected to spotify so just get it to play music whenever I feel the need, skip tracks when I need and stop playing music as I'm about to sleep.

    For lighting I also use the Xiaomi mii light I think its called, basically you connect it up to your wifi, I think you need the xiaomi app as well? but I just tell my google home to turn on the light, or to reduce brightness at night time (especially when watching a show) and to change colours as well (a light blue for tv show or ambient lighting or a bright white for reading/writing etc).

    I also use it a lot to tell me what time it is, whats the weather outside (whether I need an umbrella) and also if a certain shop is open (I want to go to KFC for example but not sure if its open on the Sunday at say 5pm).

  • Kiminoth on 13/06/2018 - 13:32
    +2

    A harmony hub for controlling my Television, Projector and Amplifier. If you have a more current air conditioner, that too.

    "Turn on the TV", turns on the tv (HDMI port 2), amplifier (TV input) and foxtel. Then changes the channel to ABC for the morning news.
    "Turn on the footy", does the same. Except the foxtel channel is 504.

    LIFX Globes are currently in 5 areas around my home, specifically the bedroom lamp, outside, entrance light, dining room and living room.

    "Turn up the living room light" - brighter
    "Turn off the bedroom light"

    I've never used or seen Phillips Hue lights, however, LIFX has been great for me.

    Chromecast is on two TVs.

    IFTTT will expand your functionality even further.

    My gf (and I) still prefer the option for manual on/off switches for lights. Logitech POP's are amazing for this.

  • 0FoxGiven on 13/06/2018 - 14:37
    +2

    I just got Yeelights, Xiaomi smart plugs, Xiaomi Gateway and the Xiaomi Cube.
    The look on the faces of my guests when I control things with the cube = Priceless :P

    • dealover on 13/06/2018 - 15:19
      +1

      Thanks a lot mate, any chance you could provide the links for them please so I can understand the whole system and costs too please ?

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