Home Assistant, the popular open-source smart home platform, has launched its first dedicated voice assistant hardware: the Home Assistant Voice Preview Edition (Voice PE). This $59 device offers a compelling alternative to commercially available voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant by prioritizing local control and privacy. Voice PE operates by processing voice commands within your home network, minimizing reliance on cloud services and mitigating concerns about data collection and privacy breaches associated with Big Tech alternatives. The device is integrated seamlessly with the Home Assistant ecosystem, allowing users to control any connected smart home device using natural language commands. From adjusting lighting and locking doors to setting timers and managing shopping lists, Voice PE brings the convenience of voice control to the privacy-conscious smart home enthusiast.
The compact, palm-sized Voice PE features dual microphones for accurate voice capture and an internal speaker for audio feedback. For enhanced audio quality, users can connect an external speaker via the 3.5mm headphone jack. A prominent multicolored LED ring visually indicates when the device is actively listening. Further enhancing user interaction, a physical button facilitates setup, initiates voice commands without a wake word, and can be customized for other functions. A rotary dial and a physical mute switch offer additional control options. Power is supplied via USB-C, and a Grove port allows for the connection of sensors and other accessories, extending the device’s functionality.
The Voice PE boasts impressive language support, recognizing over 50 languages compared to the limited options offered by commercial voice assistants. Users can activate the assistant using pre-set wake words like “Okay Nabu,” “Hey Jarvis,” or “Hey Mycroft,” or even personalize the experience by programming a custom wake word. The device can function entirely offline when connected to Home Assistant hardware, ensuring complete local control. Alternatively, it can leverage the Home Assistant cloud for faster processing and broader language support. Nabu Casa, the organization behind Home Assistant, emphasizes that user data is neither stored in the cloud nor used for training purposes, reinforcing their commitment to privacy.
While the Voice PE offers a compelling vision for a privacy-focused smart home, it remains a work in progress. Early user experiences highlight strong performance in basic commands, but limitations emerge in noisy environments and with more complex requests. Currently, the Voice PE excels at core smart home functions like controlling devices and setting timers, but it lacks the broader capabilities of established commercial assistants, such as accessing general information or playing media. This is acknowledged by Home Assistant’s founder, Paulus Schoutsen, who positions the Preview Edition as a stepping stone towards a more comprehensive voice assistant experience.
Home Assistant acknowledges the need for ongoing development to fully realize the potential of Voice PE. The current iteration focuses on fundamental smart home control, providing a robust and private alternative for users prioritizing local command execution. However, the platform recognizes the demand for more advanced features and functionalities found in commercial offerings. To bridge this gap, Voice PE supports integration with external AI models like ChatGPT and Gemini, allowing users to augment or even replace the built-in Assist functionality. This integration empowers the device to handle more complex queries and tasks, extending its capabilities beyond basic smart home control.
The Home Assistant Voice PE presents a compelling proposition for users concerned about privacy and data security in the realm of voice assistants. While its current functionality prioritizes fundamental smart home control, its open-source nature, local processing capabilities, and integration potential position it for significant future development. The device offers a tangible alternative to commercially available voice assistants, prioritizing user privacy and local control while providing a foundation for future expansion and customization. As the platform continues to evolve, integrating advanced AI models and expanding its functionality, the Home Assistant Voice PE is poised to become a prominent player in the privacy-focused smart home landscape.
