We are all aware at this stage of smart speakers such as Amazon Echo and
Google Home assistant. It's always a good idea to hear how they can be used
in our day to day lives as someone living with a visual impairment.
Smart speakers can be activated with your voice by saying the wake word
'Alexa' or 'Hey Google'.
I use these devices every day to do things like:
* Ask for the weather forecast
* Set a reminder
* Set a timer
* Play music from a subscription service such as Spotify or Amazon
Music
* Play an audiobook from Audible
* Play a podcast
* Play a radio station
* Read me the news
* Turn on and off lights when paired with smart light bulbs
Smart home technology comes into its own when you pair these
speakers/assistants with other devices to create a personal independent
living space in your home.
For example, you can control your heating by pairing your smartphone or
smart assistant with a Nest thermostat. This allows you to turn on or off
your heating independently, set a timer and set the right temperature for
you. You can also work it remotely when you are away from your home. Other
thermostats are available but I find this one to be the most accessible.
Another very good addition to your connected home is a video doorbell such
as a Nest Hello Doorbell or the Ring Video Doorbell. These doorbells can be
used to monitor who is at your front door before you open it. You can talk
to whoever is outside using your smart speaker. These products give you
added security and make you feel less vulnerable. They also make it easier
to deal with cold callers and other nuisance visitors.
A final example, I use SmartThings App from Samsung. I have connected this
to a Samsung smart washing machine and for the first time, this has opened
all the features of a washing machine for people with a vision impairment.
Rather than just having a bump on 40 degrees and pressing start, you can
connect your machine to the SmartThings app on your phone and go through the
different cycles such as cotton, wool, dark, delicates etc. You can select
your preferred temperature and then click start.
These are just a few examples of how I used technology to make my home more
accessible. If you want to know more about how Smart Technology can help you
in your day to day life and be more independent call the NCBI Labs Helpdesk
and arrange a demo.
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