"Honestly, it's kinda like when smartphones first came out; everyone thought touchscreens were weird at first, but now it's second nature."
Interesting comparison, and I see your point. But I wonder if the awkwardness of voice commands might have something to do with the context of use as well. With smartphones, we adapted quickly because the interaction was personal and private—just tapping away quietly. Talking to your TV feels different because you're speaking out loud into a room, sometimes with others around. It adds a social dimension that touchscreens never had.
Maybe it's about how comfortable we feel vocalizing commands publicly versus privately? I've noticed I don't mind using voice commands when I'm alone at home, but as soon as someone else is in the room, I revert back to the remote every time... just feels less intrusive somehow. Curious if anyone else has noticed this difference?
I've noticed the same thing actually. When I'm alone, I'll happily tell the TV to pause or switch channels, but the second my family walks in, it just feels...awkward. Maybe it's because voice commands still feel like talking to yourself, and that's socially weird? I think it'll probably change over time as it becomes more common, but for now, I'm sticking to buttons when others are around.
I get what you mean—it does feel a bit odd at first. I've worked on a few homes recently where we integrated voice controls into the main living areas, and homeowners often mention feeling self-conscious using them around guests or family. One thing that helps is having clear, simple commands that don't sound too conversational. Over time, most folks seem to get used to it, but buttons definitely still have their place for now...especially when company's over.
"buttons definitely still have their place for now...especially when company's over."
Yeah, totally agree. I picked up a budget-friendly smart TV last year, and at first, I felt super awkward talking to it—especially with friends around. Eventually, I just stuck to basic commands like "volume up" or "pause," but honestly, the remote still feels way less weird in social situations.
I get what you're saying, but honestly, after a while the awkwardness fades. When we first moved into our new place, I installed voice controls everywhere—lights, thermostat, TV—and yeah, it felt super weird at first. But now it's second nature. Friends even joke about it being my "robot house," but they end up using voice commands too after a couple visits... Buttons are fine, sure, but voice control grows on you quicker than you'd think.
