Before I invest loads of my time I want to set off on the best path. Therefore I am asking if anyone has got any advice or opinions on which is better or could eventually be better, Amazon Echo or Google Home; for use with OpenHab2 and the BTicino BUS?
From what I have seen so far it seems Amazon Echo is going to be easier to get working with OpenHab2 and the BTicino binding. I don't think Google Home is even available here in Austria.
I want to use it mainly for TTS notification announcements, in English, so that I know what and why the BUS system is doing something and to confirm some user set actions when its not obvious that a command has been received.
e.g. The following scenarios already run but it would be nice to get a voice announcement:
Automatic initiated
- Wind limit has been exceeded. The blinds will now retract until is calm again
- Its getting too warm. Blinds will move to the sunny windowsills position
- Good morning. Wake up blind sequence is starting.
User initiated
- Auto workday mode is set
- Guest mode in East bedroom is set
- Garage door is opening
- Rain water cistern pump is on for 30mins.
The above actions are controlled via MH202 scenarios that are initiated by either by a contact interface changing state or by an actuator in switch mode, or dummy actuator, changing on/off state. In some cases a scenario is initiated via CEN and or CENplus command. eg phone or LCD panel.
After TTS then some voice commands could be useful for setting mood lighting but as I have a touch screen LCD panel centrally located its not that important to me. I can already control everything via the MyHome phone app as well.
Non BUS stuff: I have multi room music via Squeezbox (Touch, Radio, RPi squeezelite) and RPi LMS and some RGBW Wifi LED strips.
Nice to have would be for Google or Alexa to respond to queries like:
What temperature is it in the lounge. (BUS zone control but I rarely need alter temperature settings)
And who knows what in the future
edit... I am too impatient when I have set my mind on something and you guys are too slow
I ordered Alexa to play with