While mobile phones allow the use of two voice assistants on Android devices and up to three on iPhones, smart speakers only offer one. At best, you can find models that let you choose which one, but that's it. Why can't any speaker use two assistants simultaneously?
Google Assistant, Alexa or Siri: which is better?
Users typically choose a particular product or service not because it's better than the rest, but because the advantages it offers are greater than those of its competitors. And that's true for practically everything, not just technology.
However, focusing on the technological world there are many examples that we could give of this. One of them would be choosing a new smartphone. And we are not only saying this because of choosing between iOS and Android, but also between models that use the same operating system.
Because not everyone has the same needs and if, for example, you like photography more, it is logical that you invest in the one that offers a greater variety of cameras and better results. However, if you just want to communicate, you won't have to go for such expensive models. Each need has its ideal product if you do not want to make an investment that does not pay off in the long run.
Well, something similar happens with smart speakers and their respective voice assistants. We can't say which one is best: Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. Each offers a set of advantages and suffers from other drawbacks, and we'll have to assess whether these disadvantages outweigh the drawbacks.
Thus, if the interesting thing about Alexa can be its naturalness, its integration with the Amazon online store, the great compatibility when using third-party connected devices, etc.; Google Assistant allows you to control Chromecast devices, televisions with Android TV, obtain more precise search results, access services such as YouTube Music, etc.
Finally, Siri could be said to be the "weakest" rival despite this not being entirely true. Because it is the only voice assistant that integrates perfectly with the rest of Apple products. So if you want the best experience with your iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple TV, this is the option to choose. The problem is that if you want to do it through a smart speaker you are limited to the HomePod mini. Because there aren't even two anymore because the original model has been discontinued.
Can two voice assistants be used at the same time on a single speaker?
At this point, you've probably thought, why choose? Couldn't we use two voice assistants at the same time? If we have that option on mobile phones, why not on a smart speaker?
Well, regarding the first question, the truth is that it is true that having to choose is a bit of a nuisance. Because when you have had experience with the different voice assistants, you realize that they can all provide advantages in the day-to-day life of any user.
As we said, Google Assistant for everything related to the search for information or its integration with services that most of us use daily such as the calendar, email, etc., has practically no rival. However, for many other things that we also do frequently, it must be recognized that Alexa works very well.
But, and now we'll answer your second question, you can't use two voice assistants simultaneously on a single speaker. The smart speakers sold by Amazon are only compatible with Alexa, as you'd expect, and the same goes for Google's. We'll leave Apple and the HomePod aside because we already assume that only their products can use essential services like Siri.
So when you go shopping for a smart speaker you really have to decide which assistant you want to use. Because that will mark your purchase options.
No speaker supports two assistants?
Okay, we mentioned earlier that if you choose Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri, your purchasing options will vary, but there are some exceptions. For example, Sonos allows you to use both Alexa and Google Assistant, but not simultaneously.
That is, from the Sonos app itself you have the option to choose which assistant you want to use with your speakers. But if you go with Alexa and want to use Google Assistant at some point you would have to go back to the application and change it. Something that you can already imagine is neither comfortable nor effective in daily use.
Therefore, there is no speaker that supports the joint use of several assistants at the same time. At least when it comes to the three main options that currently exist.
Why on a mobile if you can and not on a speaker?
Ok, this question is somewhat more complex, but I'm sure you'll understand it quickly even as a user with an above-average technical profile. When you use multiple voice assistants on a device such as a smartphone, which is highly personal, has a screen, and is normally held in the palm of your hand or in full view, it doesn't cause misunderstanding.
In other words, you'll always have a clear visual reference to help you know who to ask to stop a timer, silence a notification, etc. However, with a smart speaker, the potential for confusion would be significant. You wouldn't really know who or what you had asked most of the time.
And that is assuming that you are a user who is good at using technology and you are practically the only one who interacts with them at home. But if you live with more people, the chaos could be important and that is why the manufacturers do not implement such an option. Which would also require more resources at the hardware level and the price of the device would increase. Thus being less attractive.
Then it is clear that neither Google nor Amazon, much less Apple, would want their Google Assistant, Alexa and Siri to coexist with their rivals. So, you will have to continue choosing which smart speaker to buy depending on the assistant you want to use.