DIY Security Systems
Google Home is one of Google’s best creations that will make your life at home a lot easier. It can be used as a speaker and voice command system. You can easily communicate with other internet-based equipment or devices and control it by voice command. But can you use google home as an intercom system? The Google Home has a feature that you can use and turn it into an intercom system and improve your safety at home.
Key Features of Google Home
Know the key features of Google Home and how they work. In that way, you will understand how can you use google home as an intercom system.
Create a Speaker Group
Do you love music so much that you want it played in every corner of your house? Then the Google Home can help you with that. You don’t have to buy yourself a high-end amplifier to get the music to the kitchen from your living room. If you have multiple speakers, you can have them paired with Google Home. It has an unlimited linking feature that allows pairing and linking so long as it is compatible. They just need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network to work. So, you can place one speaker into your kitchen, porch, and bedroom. You can have the one music played all over the place.
Set Up Routines
In this case, you can do the setting through the Google Home app installed on your smartphones. You can set routines like playing music at a specific time of the day, turn on the AC at lunchtime and turn off at nighttime. This is basically setting the command to your Google Home. Once it is set, the device will do the work for you.
Voice Command
You can use Google Home to control internet-based appliances and devices through voice commands. When you are at home resting and don’t want to stand up for the lights, you can ask Google Home to turn it off or turn it on. You can even ask to play music relaxing music. You have to activate it by saying, “Hey Google, play relaxing music,” Or “Ok, Google, turn the AC to 20 degrees coldness.” Every command should start with “Hey Google” or “Ok, Google.”
Help You with Bedtime Stories for Your Kids
This doesn’t have to replace your bedtime bonding with kids. You can accompany kids while they listen to bedtime stories by Google Home. You can say, “Hey, Google, tell us a story about princesses.” The device will then randomly pick a story and narrate it for you. These stories are from the library list of a third-party app. The regular bonding with kids is still there, but this time you are part of the audience.
Broadcast Messages
One of the useful features of Google Home is the ability of the device to broadcast messages. Since the device has a way to communicate with other devices, you can easily send it to everyone in the house, and it will be transmitted to all areas through the linked speakers. So, can you use google home as an intercom system? You definitely could with the use of this feature.
Is It Legal for Security Cameras to Record Voice?
The main reason why security cameras do not record voice, even when they are technically able to, is because of privacy laws and consent. Privacy laws vary from state to state. Audio recording without somebody’s knowledge is sometimes legal in one place, but illegal in another. It also depends on the situation or setting. In a workplace setting, it can actually be illegal for an employer to record their staff without the employee giving clear consent. In general, these three rules are good to keep in mind no matter what state you live in:
- It is illegal to record audio when using video surveillance.
- Recording audio via Wi-Fi can lead to cybercriminal charges.
- Audio surveillance laws depend on state laws.
Always research privacy laws and surveillance before you think about allowing your home security system to record audio. Meanwhile, even though it can be technically legal in your state to record voice, you should also consider consent. This is especially important in the workplace setting. Any time an employee is being recorded, through video or voice, they should be informed. The employee should also be given a chance to give their consent. If they give clear and proper consent, then they may be recorded. Otherwise, they cannot be recorded. However, there are some cases that allow for audio recording, but only when it is proven beyond a reasonable doubt that there was a need for a recording. The law will also have to determine that factor. Even if you think the audio recording will remain private, you do not have full control of privacy and access. You cannot guarantee another person that their recording will not be disseminated without their consent.
Ways to Use Google Home as an Intercom System
Broadcast a Message from Your iOS or Android Phone
To be able for you to broadcast a message using your smartphone, you need to install Google Assistant App. You can broadcast saved messages, or you can do the live ones. Your phone doesn’t have to be connected to the same network, as it communicates only through the app. So, you can send a message at home even when you are not home. However, this method is one-way. You can’t receive a reply to your phone. When you ask Google to broadcast, it will ask you what the message is. Then as you speak, it will record your voice and transcribe it. You can see this process on your phone or tablet. Once done, the message will be sent and played to the Google Home devices registered or paired on your Google Assistant App.
Broadcast Message from Google Home to Another Google Home Device
The Google Home voice command can be activated using key phrases. The device will always listen to you, but it will never respond when you don’t say the key phrase. To broadcast messages from your Google Home device, you need to say “Hey, Google” or Ok, Google,” followed by the word broadcast, announce, shout, or tell everyone. If you want to broadcast, you should say, “Hey, Google. Broadcast” then say the message, and the device will record. The message will be played to all Google Devices you have at home, including the one where the message is recorded. If you are on the receiving end and want to reply, you can simply say the command phrase like “Hey, Google. Reply.” Then followed by your message. It will then play to the device where the message originates. If you are in front of the Google Home Hub, a reply button will appear on display, which you can tap to initiate the response.
Conclusion
In this modern era, a lot of things can be accomplished as long as you’re connected to the internet. All these technological advancements can be overwhelming, but it can simplify your life. The use of Google Home is only one of the things that will help you manage your home. If you are wondering, can you use google home as an intercom system? Then the answer is yes. It is part of the innovation that helps you communicate easily. Know more about Security Camera Systems.