Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Older Neighbor suddenly lost his vision, wants me to set up a Voice Assistant for him. Should I use Alexa, Bixby or Google? (self.Blind)
submitted by MonochromeAgent
TLDR;
Alexa VS Bixby VS Google, which Voice Assistant is easiest for someone with no vision, and an older guy who can barely use a phone or computer? He has a Samsung Galaxy Note 20.
Context:
Our neighbor suddenly lost all his vision 4 days ago. I don't know his health history or anything. He's not been able to see to even answer his phone when his family members were calling, they called police to do a wellness check to discover he's suddenly totally blind, he has only light perception.
I can't imagine how scary that must be. He called me today since my number was in his phone, and he wants me to help him set up a Voice Assistant so he can at least answer his phone.
This fellow is pretty technologically inept. He can barely use an email account or Smart Devices, so I want to set up something that's as easy for him to use as possible with minimal confusion and frustration.
I use a Google Home speaker, to set alarms, check weather or turn lights on/off. But is there anything else useful I can use these for?
A neighbor gave him an Alexa, and I'm willing to give him my Google home, his phone is a Samsung Note 20 with Bixby which I think he's been trying to figure out.
And is there anything else I can do to help him?
I have no idea if this blindness will be temporary or fully permanent, but I want to help him figure this out.
Alexa VS Bixby VS Google, which Voice Assistant is easiest for someone with no vision, and an older guy who can barely use a phone or computer? He has a Samsung Galaxy Note 20.
Context:
Our neighbor suddenly lost all his vision 4 days ago. I don't know his health history or anything. He's not been able to see to even answer his phone when his family members were calling, they called police to do a wellness check to discover he's suddenly totally blind, he has only light perception.
I can't imagine how scary that must be. He called me today since my number was in his phone, and he wants me to help him set up a Voice Assistant so he can at least answer his phone.
This fellow is pretty technologically inept. He can barely use an email account or Smart Devices, so I want to set up something that's as easy for him to use as possible with minimal confusion and frustration.
I use a Google Home speaker, to set alarms, check weather or turn lights on/off. But is there anything else useful I can use these for?
A neighbor gave him an Alexa, and I'm willing to give him my Google home, his phone is a Samsung Note 20 with Bixby which I think he's been trying to figure out.
And is there anything else I can do to help him?
I have no idea if this blindness will be temporary or fully permanent, but I want to help him figure this out.
DHamlinMusic 3 points 1y ago
I would try to stick with the OS he is most familiar with, so in this case Android, the Home can make calls as long as it has contact access and is set to do so, but as for answering them I am not sure.
retrolental_morose 3 points 1y ago
I disagree. familiarity with the OS would be useful if he did more with his device, but in this case, it'll be a matter of finding what works best. Alexa's integration with other services works well for us: the calendar in particular, as well as hands-free drop-in on family, and the 'what is this?' you can do with an Echo Show.
Obviously if he's already big into Google, Google might be more useful, but it's not worth discounting other devices if he's not already got a big commitment.
Obviously if he's already big into Google, Google might be more useful, but it's not worth discounting other devices if he's not already got a big commitment.
bradley22 2 points 1y ago
I agree. I’d give the Alexa or Google home a go. The Alexa and Google home just have a wake word you have to say and then ask your question. With Bixby, from my understanding, you’d have to use a screen reader to actually read some of the answers where as the Echo and Home devices you just speak. and get instant feedback.
DHamlinMusic 3 points 1y ago
Yeah that I think is more where I was trxing to go, though I am unsure of the level of integration that alexa has with Google/Android cause I know that the few things I have that are Amazon brands have very poor Android accessibility.
bradley22 1 points 1y ago
What kind of things would he want to do?
TechnicalPragmatist 1 points 1y ago
I have both alexa and google home and they both work wonderfully but if someone already gave him an alexa device you may not have to give him your google home. Google is the smartest but alexa you can play more games and other things. Each have it’s skill set. The google does information searches much better. But alexa hooks up to say amazon much better. Alexa goes with amazon music better.
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