A friend wanted to get "Google Home" as it offers (at first glance) many good things and services. Then this:
The folks who enjoy integrated media and the ability to talk to their computers ("get me a plane ticket" or "What time to set the clocks back?") for routine tasks, or to see a flick on the tv, etc. should know there's a big difference between Google Home and the Google Assistant. Don't get me wrong: There are lots of good services Google provides, and useful ones, as well.
Google Home relies on a device which is basically a microphone and a speaker. It looks modern, and sleek. And, Google's going hardware...phone and this You can see it
here.
Google Home will be tied to your Google Account. No matter who does the talking. What does that mean?
So, Google wants you to have a "personal assistant" who gets to know you, your preferences, etc. and works through all your devices no matter where you are. Example: You're in the airport but don't remember if you put the lights out or locked all the doors. So you give a command via your phone and tablet to do so. Great. BUT, to have that assistant it would have to reliably voiceprint you and respond to you and only you, and differentiate you from your partner, kids, etc.
"Currently, we don’t have an ability to differentiate users by different voice patterns." - Google
Well...but it ties into YOUR Google Account. Not theirs. It's a nonspecific "ear" which hears everything but works through your account. For everyone within its listening range. So, if someone...no, make that ANYONE wants your assistant to read your emails out loud, it will faithfully do so. Or your calendar, appointments, etc. If you don't believe it, check out the third link on the list. I'm afraid my fears are justified.
"If someone is in the room, they have access to your Google Home. ... You shouldn’t leave your Google Home where people you don’t trust can access it if you have given Google Home access to information you consider confidential." - Google
Well, apart from that, it will change your youtube preferences so stuff YOU wanted will inevitably get resorted or lost. Same for music and shows. If you have (or had) a teenager at home, you know full well what that will mean.
And all this doesn't even touch on the question of hackers, or a teenager with a teenager's sense of humor.
So...honestly: If you have any semblance of common sense, this might be a great idea: But until there's a way to isolate profiles by voice and passcodes, you won't touch this with anyone's ten foot pole.
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