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Last year, I read several articles about how Amazon Alexa and Google Mini can help keep an ADHD household organized. Curious, my ADHD spouse and I decided to buy both as Christmas presents and try them out. Now, six months later, we still use both devices daily. But the question is, which one is better for an ADHD couple's household? In today's article, we'll share our experiences with both and tell you which one we prefer.
What They Both Mainly Do For Us
Both Alexa and Google Mini offer essential features that help with daily management. Here are 5 key features we use the most:
Set Reminders: During our weekly check-ins, we schedule reminders for key tasks for the following week.
Create Routines: My spouse likes to automate tasks and streamline daily activities, such as wake-up and bedtime routines.
Set Timers: We use timers for time management and staying on track. For example, my ADHD spouse sets timers for laundry to remind him to move clothes from the washer to the dryer.
Create To-Do Lists: Adding items to our to-do list during weekly check-ins is easy. We also add reminders and due dates to ensure tasks are completed.
Play Music: We enjoy music with simple voice commands. I like using it for focused work music or calming tunes throughout the house.
Alexa: Strengths and Weaknesses
Alexa Wins At:
1. User-Friendly Mobile App: The intuitive app is crucial for an ADHD household where simplicity is key.
2. Conversational Interaction: Alexa’s ability to engage in natural conversations stands out. When setting a reminder, Alexa might ask if additional reminders are needed. As a non-ADHD spouse, I love this feature because it takes the load off of me from being the reminder for my ADHD spouse.
3. Customizable Wake Word: Personalization can be helpful and fun for us.
Alexa Loses At:
1. Too Many Notifications and Upsell: Alexa constantly updates you about your shopping cart status and package deliveries by changing the color on the device. My ADHD spouse finds this distracting and always takes the time to clear the notification whenever he sees it.
2. Limited Command Flexibility: While the marketing suggests easy verbal interactions, Alexa requires very specific commands, which can be frustrating. For example, we had smart lights throughout our home and Alexa always turned on my office light instead of my bedside light when I said "turn on the bedroom light," even though I labeled the second bedroom as an office in the app.
3. Incomplete Remembering Command: While Alexa saves information you ask it to remember, it fails to provide the answer when you ask about it. For example, I asked it to remember that I placed the keys in the office. Alexa tells me it saved the information in notes, but when I ask, "Where are my keys?" it doesn't understand my command.
Google Mini: Strengths and Weaknesses
Google Mini Wins At:
1. Faster Command Response Time: Google Mini responds to commands more quickly, reducing wait time and frustration, especially with routines and automations involving third-party integrations.
2. Complete Remember Command: It can remember where you placed items and recall this information when asked. This really helps us remember where we put things in our house.
3.Less Subscription Promotion: For example, you can ask it to play any type of music and it will play what's available without promoting a premium music subscription.
Google Mini Loses At:
1. Less Conversational: Google Mini completes commands but lacks follow-up questions, reducing its effectiveness in helping with task prioritization or setting additional reminders like Alexa.
2. Bare Bones Mobile App: Because Mini integrates with many existing Google applications, you end up having to go to the individual apps, like Gmail or Google Tasks, to find information instead of a centralized app like Amazon Alexa. This makes it much harder for my ADHD spouse to figure things out.
3. Wake Word Responsiveness: The wake word activiates the device. It is not as sensitive as Amazon Alexa, often requiring multiple repetitions to activate.
Our Verdict
While both Alexa and Google Mini are great, Alexa's strengths align more closely with the needs of our ADHD household. Its user-friendly app and smarter interactions make daily management easier and more intuitive. Although the notifications can be a downside, the ability to have a more conversational experience and set multiple reminders based on task importance is invaluable.
Conclusion
For our ADHD household, we prefer Alexa. Its ability to engage more naturally, coupled with a more accessible app, outweighs the minor annoyances of extra notifications. However, if quick responses and better music integration are more critical, Google Mini might be the better choice. Consider your specific needs and preferences to make the best decision for your household. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
Do you have Alexa or or Mini? Comment below and let us know which one you have and your favorite feature in the comment section below!
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