AARP HomeFit Video: The Living Room

Like the dining room, the living room has become more casual, serving as a family or TV room rather than a rarely used, off-limits space for entertaining guests.

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About Virtual Assistants

Home-based automation systems and products (think Google Home or the Alexa-equipped Amazon Echo smart speakers) are able to provide real-time information and perform home-based tasks with little more than an internet connection and a voice command.

The systems can, among other actions:

turn a TV on and off
tune to specific shows
play music and podcasts
tell stories and jokes
lead games
control lights and appliances
do online research
adjust thermostats
lock and unlock doors
make shopping lists
place telephone calls
provide reminders

But convenience comes with concerns. In order to both meet and anticipate needs, data is collected by the devices, as well as by the internet service providers, internet browsers, and the websites a user visits.

Having at-the-ready information can be helpful to a user, but it can also be worrisome.

When considering or using internet-connected automation systems, it’s important to evaluate the privacy pros and cons.

Tip: If a home’s internet network isn’t password protected, instructions and the settings for adding security can be found on the service provider’s website or by calling its customer service department.