Need the Wi-Fi, cameras and locks set up first? See smart home and Wi-Fi. Running a rental from away? See vacation rental smart home setup.
Can you set up Alexa, Google Home and Apple Home?
Yes, Mounted and More sets up Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Apple Home with Siri from Purgatory to Pagosa. We connect your speakers to the TV, soundbar, lights, thermostat and locks, then test every command with you so the system works the way you talk.
A quick note on names: Google is replacing Google Assistant on its speakers and displays with Gemini for Home. The setup is still done in the Google Home app.
What we set up:
- TVs and soundbars, so “turn on the TV” and “turn it up” work
- Lights and plugs, by room or by group
- Thermostats, including the cabin you only visit some weekends
- Smart locks, with voice unlock off or PIN-protected where the app allows
- Routines, such as one “good night” that locks up, sets the heat and turns everything off
Can Alexa or Google turn on my TV?
Usually yes, once the TV is linked and one setting is turned on. Many smart TVs link through the TV maker’s app. Others work through a streaming device and HDMI-CEC, a TV setting that lets connected devices turn each other on and off. We turn on the power-on-by-voice option and test it before we leave.
What is Matter, and do I need it?
Matter is a shared standard that lets one smart device work with Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home and Samsung SmartThings. Buying Matter devices means you are not locked into one brand of speaker. Many Matter devices control each other on your home network, which is faster and keeps working when the internet blips.
Thread is the low-power wireless network some Matter devices use. Each Thread device can pass signals along to the next, which helps in long cabins. Apple Home needs a HomePod or Apple TV as a home hub to add Matter devices and run automations.
Why does voice control depend on Wi-Fi at the lake?
Voice assistants send most commands over the internet, so a weak connection means slow or missed answers. Many parts of Vallecito have no cell service, and internet near the lake ranges from DSL to fixed wireless, T-Mobile Home Internet and Starlink depending on the address. We check what works at yours, then make sure Wi-Fi reaches every speaker. See our smart home and Wi-Fi page for how we cover log homes.
Can my smart home work without internet?
Partly. Home Assistant is software that runs on a small computer in your home, and devices that use Matter or Thread can keep responding when the internet is down. Some setups add a Zigbee or Z-Wave radio for more devices. Remote access and the link to Alexa or Google still need internet. For a cabin on County Road 501 with spotty service, ask us about it and we can talk through whether it fits.
How do I keep a smart speaker private?
Use the microphone off button and the app’s voice history settings. Every major smart speaker has a microphone off button, and each app lets you review and delete your voice history. Google lets you set its activity to auto-delete after 3, 18 or 36 months, or keep it. We walk you through these settings during setup.
What affects the price of voice control setup?
The number of rooms and devices, whether new speakers or hubs are needed, how many routines you want and the state of your Wi-Fi move the price most. Voice work starts with a free estimate. See pricing for how quotes work.
How a voice control job goes
- Tim checks your Wi-Fi and what devices you already own.
- You pick the assistant that fits your phones and household.
- Tim links the TV, soundbar, lights, thermostat and locks.
- He names rooms and devices so commands sound natural.
- He builds the routines you want and tests each one.
- He walks you through the app and privacy settings.
Related services
Voice control pairs with device setup, TV mounting, home audio and vacation rental smart home setup. We serve Purgatory to Pagosa; see our service areas. Call (970) 426-8215 or request a free estimate.