Smartphone/smartspeaker capabilities for blind and low vision users?
luis_pr
4 years ago
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Home Automation/Control Idea
Comments (32)Hi, I am building a 4K sqft home and have done all the automation in my last house (by myself). During that time I worked for a company that owned a division that sold home and industrial automation and I could get anything for 50% below cost. Having said that we just broke ground on our second home and I am doing all the design install and automation for this home and here is what I am putting in from what I have learned in the past. #1 - Lighting System. It was my favorite thing in the last house (a Leviton system). This time I am using Insteon for many reasons but it can be programed by a small box you instruct - plug into an outlet and let it do it's thing. Custom printed buttons, complex scenes - timers whatever. It is the most flexible system out there and goes from standard configuration to super complex and everything in between. It is also cost effective. #2. You can get Insteon Thermostats that do a lot of goofy stuff - but I am going with 2 Nest units for each zone. Easy Simple. #3. A Cat6 Camera system from Samsung (16 cameras - only putting in 8 to start). I really like the fact that I can see the house and the sump pump etc. when I am out of state. #4. An ELK alarm system. This is the "brain" of the house and it talks to the lighting system and Insteon thermostats. You can hit the "Vacation" button and it will set the HVAC and even turn on and off random lights at night if you want. #5. I am wiring for Somfy drapes and shades. Simply putting in the 16/2 DC wires in locations for now. The bedroom will be all blackout shades. Roll over and hit a switch and you are in a 1000 a night hotel. I am not putting in any music systems. Never used them. I had a fancy Russsound AV distribution system as well and won't be doing that either. Simply doing Cat 6 everywhere, DirecTv, and will use wireless Apple products for music at patries. You will NEVER use a computer to control these devices. You will never get up and use a wall touch screen. That being said this is a hobby and should be treated as such. You won't get your money out of it. Your friends won't understand it. Friends at parties won't understand it. But if it is something you like then go for it. It takes 10,000 times more effort, time, frustration, and money to do these things with an automation system than it is to get up and hit the light switch or pull the drape cord. But to me it is something I can't seem to live without. Wife hates it - can't seem to understand how it all works - or the need for any of it. Even with custom labeled buttons that say "party" or "clean up" on the lights she still uses the switch instead of the scene button. It is nice to turn off every light in the house from your bedside - and then to have the alarm to arm automatically at 11:00 at night with no need to do anything. To have the lights come on and light the house when it detects motion etc. That being said it is a very slippery slope. Don't listen to the salesmen - they want to sell you what they want to sell. Best advice is to do as much as you can and bring in a pro for the things you don't understand (alarm for me)... Good luck!...See MoreDo you use hands free on your cell phone for driving?
Comments (86)I really was taken aback by the "holier than thou" take on my post. I sure don't feel that way, nor did I intend to come off that way. Hands free is legal in my state, however, the law now prohibits any contact with your cell, even when stopped in traffic. I've never used my cell in the car, I never look at texts and certainly wouldn't text myself. If hands free were illegal, I wouldn't do it. I never used my phone in the car before I had hands free and it is really a rare occasion when I do now - maybe to let someone know I'm stuck in traffic or running late. I have one route I take on a 2 lane country highway to my cabin, with long stretches of open road and sometimes I will talk to a friend for an extended period, but that, too, is rare. I am careful about when and where I talk, not on unfamiliar roads or when traffic seems to be erratic. I do feel like I am a super aware driver, I drive defensively. The same with my GPS...I always put in the address before I start moving and it talks me through maneuvers. I do glance at the dash display to see what the next move is going to be and how far away it is, but like I said above, it's no more of a glance than at my speedometer. I guess you can be livid if you want. I hope you don't ever turn on your car radio, or change the station or listen to the news. For some people that could be a big distraction and time with your eyes off the road. Same with smokers who light up while driving. Or people who drink their lattes, or even sip from water bottles. Only one hand available to control your car. I think it's a spectrum of distractions and abilities....See MoreSmart speaker recommendations
Comments (8)"How does a smart speaker call and text without a smart phone being involved? Assume you still need a cell carrier. I know 2 people with low vision that can't drive anymore. Both use the newer big screen Apple phones and have large icons and use all the voice capabilities and seem to get along fine. Mary" Hmm, I assumed originally that it could do something like a connect to a PC and make a Skype Call but yes, it may try to connect to a smart phone instead....See MoreFeel like venting?
Comments (65)I have read most of the comments and realize the difficulties many are facing with aging parents. I was an only child and my father died relatively young at 71 leaving my mother alone for 20 years. I lived over an hour away and visited often but wasn't there day to day. She had friends and was active in her church but began forgetting things and her neighbor (and her lawyer) told me she needed to go. That's when I wanted siblings. She and my father had built their home in 1950 and she loved every inch of it so it was like pulling teeth but I did get her moved to a nice nursing home a few miles from me and I visited her every day. I put her in independent living although that was not realistic. I had to call her every day to get her to the dinners and hair appointments. She didn't make friends there and I think died of loneliness missing her old life and living in a strange place. It won't be long until my husband and I will be in this situation. Husband's heart surgery last week and my severe laceration make me realize that. My kids stepped up for these events. I hope they do in the future although I suspect my daughter will do more than her brother....See Moreluis_pr
4 years agoluis_pr
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoluis_pr
4 years agomtvhike
4 years ago
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