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Today, I took a significant step in my smart home journey: I permanently deleted my Amazon Alexa integration from Home Assistant. This wasn’t a decision I made lightly, as Alexa has been a part of my smart home in various forms for a while. But ultimately, for me, the cons started to outweigh the pros.
Why the Breakup?
My reasons for parting ways with Alexa boil down to a few key factors:
Privacy Concerns: This has always been a big one for me. The idea of an always-on microphone connected to Amazon’s servers, constantly processing voice data, just doesn’t sit right with me, especially as I delve deeper into local control solutions. While Amazon offers some privacy settings, the core nature of cloud-based voice assistants inherently involves data collection.The Rise of Local Voice Control (Assist): Home Assistant’s own voice assistant, Assist, has been making incredible strides. While it might not have all the bells and whistles of Alexa yet, it offers local processing, which means my voice commands are handled within my own home network. This is a huge win for privacy and speed. I’ve found that with a bit of setup (and projects like the Wyoming satellite, even if challenging!), I can achieve a very functional local voice control system.
Simplifying My Ecosystem: As my Home Assistant setup has become more powerful and centralized, I’ve found myself using Alexa less and less for actual smart home control. Most of my automations and interactions are now handled directly through Home Assistant, making the Alexa integration feel somewhat redundant. Deleting it simplifies my setup and reduces potential points of failure.
Cloud Dependency & Reliability: As we’ve discussed in this group before, cloud-dependent devices and services can be unreliable. If Amazon’s servers have issues, or my internet connection here in Ecuador flickers, Alexa’s smart home control capabilities can become spotty or completely unresponsive. I’m striving for a smart home that functions robustly, even offline.
Focus on Open Source and DIY: My passion lies in building a truly custom, open-source smart home. Relying on a proprietary, cloud-based ecosystem like Alexa felt increasingly at odds with that philosophy.
Was it All Bad?
No, not at all. Alexa was a great entry point into smart home control for many, and it still offers some convenient features, especially for music streaming and quick information retrieval. For those just starting out, or those who prioritize ease of use over local control, it can still be a viable option.
What’s Next?I’m now fully committed to building out my local voice control system using Home Assistant’s Assist and exploring other open-source alternatives. It’s more work, for sure, but the benefits in terms of privacy, reliability, and control are well worth it to me.
I’m curious to hear your thoughts:
* Have you considered ditching Alexa or other cloud-based voice assistants?
* What are your experiences with Home Assistant’s Assist or other local voice control solutions?
* What are your biggest concerns about privacy and cloud dependency in your smart home?
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