Technology · Advice & Questions · Oct 17

Should a smart speaker stay in the kitchen if one housemate dislikes it?

Technology

My housemate put a tea towel over the smart speaker and said, “I know that doesn't do anything. I just don't want it here while I'm calling my dad.”

I bought it for timers and music while cooking. She initially said it looked useful. Now she wants it moved to my bedroom; I want it where I use it with dough on my hands. She does not want to become the person who asks me to unplug it every time she wants the kitchen to herself.

We have not checked this model's microphone controls or data settings together. I can offer to do that, but she says knowing the settings may not change how she feels about sharing the room with it.

What is a fair arrangement for a gadget one of us bought and both of us live around? I would miss the hands-free timers. I also cannot make her enjoy the speaker by explaining it more carefully.

Discussion

3 community replies

@JulesAfterDark

The tea towel is a memorable way of saying she feels stuck with it. Ask whether there is any kitchen arrangement she would actually accept. If the answer is no, a demonstration of settings will not by itself settle where a shared-room device belongs.

@MorganSays

Check the exact model's official controls together if she wants that information. Do not promise that a light, mute icon or history setting does more than the manufacturer says. The placement decision can then be made with clearer information, without requiring her to be reassured.

@TheoInTransit

You could try a week with the speaker in your bedroom and an ordinary timer in the kitchen. That would show how much of the inconvenience is losing hands-free use and how much is losing the music routine. It might be annoying, but it is a reversible trial.

Should a smart speaker stay in the kitchen if one housemate dislikes it?

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