Can You Hear Me Now, Siri? What Makes a Voice Assistant Great (Even If It Still Doesn't Understand My Jersey Accent)
Hey there!
Have you ever asked your voice assistant to play your favorite song, only for it to pull up a completely different tune, or worse, call your mother in New Jersey? (True story.)
If you've ever laughed (or groaned) when your voice assistant mishears your accent, you're not alone.
And you know what? I've got one at home too.
I even gave mine a British accent, just for fun. But even with all that posh polish, it still struggles to understand my New Jersey accent.
We're in 2025, and yet the conversation with our tech still feels... a little one-sided.
But here's the truth:
Voice assistants can be helpful.
Let's Back Up for a Second…
You've seen the commercials. A cheerful family asks:
"Alexa, what's the weather?"
"Hey Siri, call my brother."
"Ok, Google, play Earth, Wind & Fire."
And boom, it works.
But for a lot of older adults I work with, that isn't the experience.
Instead, they find themselves yelling:
"GOOGLE! NOT GOGGLES!"
"ALEXA! I SAID 'TOM JONES,' NOT 'TOENAILS'!"
Sound familiar?
Take a breath.
You're not doing anything wrong.
These assistants are smart, but they're not mind readers (yet).
The Good vs. The Great (Yes, There's a Difference)
Here's the scoop:
A good voice assistant turns on your music and gives you the weather.
A great one understands your voice, your rhythm, your vibe.
It learns your habits, picks up your preferences, and makes life smoother.
But that doesn't happen right away. You've got to train it, just like it's learning you.
What Makes a Voice Assistant Great?
1. It learns over time.
The more you use it, the smarter it gets. Don't give up after Day One.
2. It lets you change how it sounds.
British, Australian, Southern Drawl? Try changing the voice. It might help it hear you better.
3. It works with your stuff.
Choose a TV, lights, phone, and calendar setup that plays nicely together.
4. It understands accents.
Some assistants are better than others.
Spoiler: Google Assistant often wins in this department.
Where to Find One That Gets You
Here's the honest truth:
No voice assistant is perfect out of the box.
But here are your best bets:
Google Nest Hub or Pixel Phone with Google Assistant
Known for strong accent recognition.
Apple's Siri (on iPhone or HomePod)
Simple for Apple users, but… it can be picky.
Most popular. Gets better the more you use it.
Want help figuring out which one fits your home and voice best?
How to Make Yours Smarter
Let's go step-by-step (and I promise, no tech jargon):
Say the same thing the same way for a few days. Repetition helps it learn.
Keep it close. If it's across the room, it may not hear you clearly.
Use its name first. Before giving the command, start with "Alexa," "Hey Siri," or "OK Google."
Train it. Most assistants have a voice training option in settings. Use it. It's worth it.
Laugh when it messes up. Seriously. If you can laugh at it, it won't feel so frustrating.
Why This All Matters
I've helped clients check the weather with their voices before going outside. I've shown them how to call their daughter without lifting a finger.
And yes, I've even helped someone play The Beatles while baking.
("Alexa, play I Should Have Known Better" still gets me jumping.)
Here's the thing:
Voice assistants aren't about the tech.
They're about connection.
Freedom. Independence.
And sometimes, just feeling like someone (or something) is listening.
Your Perfect Voice Assistant Awaits
Take a moment to try that voice command again.
Maybe add some Sinatra to your playlist.
Or call someone you haven't talked to in a while.
And if you want help setting up the perfect assistant for your home and voice?
You know where to find me.
Reach out anytime. I'll listen, literally and figuratively.
Until next time, stay connected!
Dave
P.S. Want more real stories, simple tips, and a tech buddy who speaks your language?
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