TALKING TO THE TV STILL FEELS WEIRD SOMETIMES
I hear you on the sensors. In my experience, most people don’t even notice them unless they’re huge or have a blinking light. When I’m working on a new build, folks usually care more about how the space feels overall than whether every device is hidden. If you want everything tucked away, it’s doable, but like you said, it comes at a cost.
Honestly, I think we get used to seeing little gadgets around the house pretty fast. The only time anyone’s ever mentioned a sensor to me was when it wasn’t working right—never about how it looked.
Talking to the TV though... yeah, that’s still awkward for me too. I’ve set up voice controls for clients and some love it, but personally I’d rather just use the remote half the time. Maybe it’ll feel normal in a few years, but right now I still feel a bit silly asking my TV to find a movie while my dog looks at me like I’ve lost it.
If you’re happy with how things work and look, that’s what matters. Most of the time, nobody else is paying as much attention as we think.
TALKING TO THE TV STILL FEELS WEIRD SOMETIMES
I get what you mean—voice controls are cool in theory, but I still feel a bit self-conscious using them, especially if someone else is around. Maybe it’s just habit, but pressing a button feels more natural. That said, I do appreciate not having to dig for the remote when it’s buried in the couch cushions. Guess it’s just one of those things we’ll get used to... or not. Either way, if your setup works for you, that’s what counts.
I still feel a bit self-conscious using them, especially if someone else is around.
That’s interesting—do you think it’s just the novelty, or is there something about the privacy aspect too? I wonder if people worry about what their devices are actually listening to. Also, have you noticed any difference in energy use between voice-activated and traditional remotes? I’m curious if all these “always listening” features add up over time.
I totally get that awkward feeling—my partner walked in on me asking the TV to “find cozy fireplace videos” and I felt ridiculous. I think for me it’s partly the novelty, but also this weird sense that I’m talking to an empty room. As for energy use, I haven’t noticed a spike, but I do wonder if all these little “always on” gadgets are quietly adding to the bill. Has anyone actually checked their usage after switching to voice controls? I’m half tempted to dig out my old remote just to compare.
I think for me it’s partly the novelty, but also this weird sense that I’m talking to an empty room.
That’s exactly it—it’s like performing for an invisible audience. I’ve caught myself lowering my voice when asking for “mood lighting” just in case someone hears. About the energy thing, I did a quick check with a smart plug monitor and honestly, the standby draw is tiny compared to my old cable box. Still, I get a little paranoid about all these “always listening” devices... sometimes I just unplug them for peace of mind.
