I started using smart home assistants quite a few years ago just as they were becoming popular. Ive used Google and Amazon Alexa the most (making Alexa the main one now) but also have Apple's system on the Apple TV 4K, and phone.

One thing I had really hoped to be able to do with these assistants is find ways for them bot be more useful to the disabled and those who may not always have another person right there who can help them. I know there are a lot of fun things that can be done too, and there are conveniences as well. However, there is also potential if used correctly to help those who have extra needs as well. I really haven't seen amazon doing much in this way for a while, and I really can't test the way I'd like to because of renting vs owning a place. With that said, I would pick Alexa to start with, just because of it's integration with things. Google seems to have pulled out somewhat, and a lot of the extras it used to do, don't seem to work anymore such as skills and add-ons, etc.
Apple, is still limited in comparison as well. I mainly purchased this Echo as it was to replace one which failed.

Overall I've been happy with the Alexa system.
Nowadays, I mainly use Alexa for smart light and device control, kitchen timers, listening to music. Also have a guitar tuner skill installed, and a few other things. I do have an Echo Flex in the Bathroom as well for the nightlight and in case of a fall I could ask Alexa to call for help.

I would recommend Any smart assistant for anyone who has special needs, or otherwise could benefit. Just because there are those who want to use AI to harm people there are also those who I feel it would benefit if used correctly and for the right reasons.

One other thing I wanted to mention, the Alexa app used to set up these devices is pretty easy to use and it's available for the main platforms of mobile devices.

So, I recently got my hands on the Amazon Echo Dot 4, and let me tell you, this little orb is like having a personal assistant who never complains about being overworked—very handy! It’s so cute that I almost want to take it out for coffee and introduce it to my friends. The sound quality? Well, let’s just say it’s like a cat trying to sing bass—adorable but not quite there. Sure, it’s great for podcasts and my daily dose of “What’s the weather going to ruin today?” but when it comes to deep bass, it's more like a gentle thump than an earth-shaking boom. My neighbors won’t be worried about midnight raves anytime soon. However, for the price? Wow! It’s an absolute steal! It answers my questions quicker than I can Google them and even understands my off-key singing during “karaoke” sessions. Plus, the built-in smart home control makes me feel like I’m living in a sci-fi movie—if sci-fi movies were set in cozy living rooms filled with laundry. In summary, if you're looking for a fun little gadget that will help you with everything from ordering pizza to telling you dad jokes while your music thumps gently in the background, grab one! Just remember: don’t expect it to throw a full-blown concert in your living room. For that price point though? You really can’t go wrong!

The Echo Dot (2nd gen) is a compelling and beguiling component in your local "internet of things." Its core technology is Alexa, the latest in an improving line of digital voice-activated assistants like Siri and Cortana. Alexa is smart -- and getting smarter at an accelerating pace. You will find Alexa enabled in the well-known Echo, Tap, and Echo Dot product families. Third party companies are also making Alexa-enabled devices these days. Keep in mind that the Echo Dot needs to be always plugged in, powered on, and listening to you to be effective, so it is not really portable -- it has no battery. If you need to carry Alexa with you, get the Tap (but note that your must press a button on the Tap, it's NOT voice-activated). Those who love home automation will find the Echo Dot to be a godsend. It is compatible with many existing home automation products and the list of Alexa-compatible products is growing all the time. Those who simply enjoy news, facts, recipes, audio books, entertaining quizzes, or being reminded of shopping or to-do lists will find Alexa to be a great friend. Either way, just ask a question or give instructions, and Alexa will respond. You can also install Alexa "skills" that will allow the Echo Dot to respond more effectively and efficiently to your specific inquiries and/or customized commands. The Echo Dot has remarkably good sound quality for its small size, so it can also be an unobtrusive music player for cramped spaces, like a dorm or small apartment. Of course, Alexa is an equal opportunity assistant -- she will respond to ANY voice requests, so be careful! (The Echo's microphone can be muted to prevent inadvertent or unauthorized online purchase orders by children, friends, or family. Or you could just unplug it if you're having a party...) As long as you have wifi, a power socket, and a smart phone (yes, Alexa can be set up and controlled on a desktop computer, but it's better to control and configure the Alexa app using a phone or tablet), you can use Alexa to make life around the home easier. While it can transform your daily routine if you're already heavily invested in Bezos' ecosystem, the Echo Dot will still be very useful even if you never buy another thing from his company. With all the things this little "hockey puck" can do, it's quite a bargain at the price! I highly recommend it.

Whereas this product can do some functions very well, the primary reason for purchasing this was to allow a disabled family member to have voice control over the "alexa friendly LG smart TV" and also via voice control only make and answer phone calls.... and this cannot do that. For example, the only way Echo can answer incoming phone calls is if the caller initiates the call from an Alexa app. In our instance, Echo could not fully control all TV function by voice only and the TV actually has Amazon Alexa built in. I spoke with 5 Alexa Echo specialists to help with the install and still had problems. I next private paid for a Geek Squad Techie to arrive at the home to complete the very frustrating install. The Geek Squad agent with 15 years of experience was the person who finally informed me I was not doing anything wrong...the product itself is marketed to indicate you can achieve a total smart home via voice control only and this is just not true. In fairness neither Google or Siri have a product that works...but this is of little help to the disabled community. Sadly the Geek Squad agent said products used to exist to allow full hands free control,but are not made anymore ...so the disabled community has fewer options in 2024 than 2014...who would have thought that technology options decreased over time?