[Catlady]

Originally Posted by cc_in_oh

For some devices voice commands aren't much more than a gimmick. Very useful for lighting and plugs though when you have a mix of several different brands - with Alexa device and group names you don't have to remember which app or apps to use.

I guess. My few smart plugs are mostly set up with their relevant apps to turn on and off at specified time, so I don't use the app after initial setup.

Originally Posted by John F

I guess it depends on how a user has things set up.

For me, it would be:

1 get phone,
2 unlock phone
3 open app
4 press the clean button
Any of the above may take multiple swipes/taps

Or

1 Say "Alexa, clean up"

I can see the app being easier if I'm out and about, but if I'm at home, I think I would want to use Alexa for normal duty.

YMMV

Except that the vacuum--like most devices, I believe--can be programmed to operate at a scheduled time/day, so using either the app or Alexa would generally be infrequent, like if you want an extra cleanup cycle before guests arrive. And with Alexa, it apparently wouldn't be "Alexa, clean up"; it would be (according to the download page at Amazon) "Alexa, ask MyNeato to start cleaning." (Neato is the vacuum brand.)

Now, I am sure that I would forget if I should say "MyNeato" or "Neato"; "start cleaning" or "clean" or "clean up" or "start vacuuming" or "vacuum." Which is why pressing the button for the app seems easier.