Voice Control: The Good and the Bad

y previous column in the September issue touched on the exciting world of voice control using widely available voice assistants from Amazon (Alexa), Google (Assistant), and Apple (Siri) embedded in smart speakers and other devices. As discussed, the biggest hurdle for many to using these isn’t price, but rather the privacy concerns that come with welcoming “always listening” microphones throughout the home. If you’re okay with that, voice assistants offer a fantastic way to fulfill simple requests like setting timers and getting directions and weather forecasts. They are also great for playing music (especially when used with a