In the world of smart homes, there are now open-source alternatives to major manufacturers. Nabu Casa has introduced the Home Assistant Voice, an open-source voice assistant hardware for its Home Assistant platform. Initially released as a preview version, the device aims to improve continuously with community involvement.
Unlike many competing products like Amazon Echo and Google Nest, the Home Assistant Voice offers users more control over their data. This device has a visually appealing design, with a colorful LED ring on top that indicates when the voice assistant is active. A physical button allows users to wake the device without a voice command, and it can be programmed for various functions via the manufacturer’s smart home app.
To activate the voice assistant, users can use voice commands like “Okay, Nabu,” “Hey, Jarvis,” or “Hey, Mycroft.” The wake-up call can also be customized in the app. An external speaker can be connected through a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing the Home Assistant Voice to be used for media playback.
The open-source smart home voice assistant allows users to disable the microphones. Power is supplied through a standard USB-C connection, and the power to the two integrated microphones can be turned off via central control, ensuring that the device does not constantly listen in.
The device supports the German language and can operate locally without an internet connection or through the Nabu Home Assistant Cloud. Using the cloud requires a subscription, costing 7.50 euros per month or 75 euros annually. Nabu claims the cloud offers faster performance than local operation, supports more languages, and requires less powerful hardware. Users who prefer to run their smart home without the internet need at least an Intel N-100 processor.
Nabu Casa aims to offer better data protection than most other manufacturers. Cloud data is not stored or used for AI training. The preview version of the Home Assistant Voice costs 60 euros. As with any open-source project, users are encouraged to contribute feedback and ideas to improve the device.
The Home Assistant Voice represents a step towards greater user control and privacy in smart home technology, offering a customizable and community-driven alternative to mainstream products. With its open-source nature, it invites users to participate actively in its development, ensuring that it evolves to meet their needs and preferences.
Overall, the Home Assistant Voice is an exciting addition to the smart home market, providing a more privacy-focused and customizable option for those looking to integrate voice assistance into their home automation systems.