The rise of smart speakers has revolutionized the way we interact with technology, making our lives easier, more convenient, and connected. One of the most popular smart speaker brands is Xiaomi, with its Mi Smart Speaker series offering a range of innovative features. But, can you use Mi smart speaker for calls? In this article, we will delve into the details of the Mi Smart Speaker’s calling capabilities, exploring the extent of its functionality and what you can expect.
The Mi Smart Speaker: An Overview
Before we dive into the calling capabilities, let’s take a brief look at the Mi Smart Speaker itself. The Mi Smart Speaker is a sleek, compact device that combines the power of AI with the convenience of a speaker. With its advanced far-field voice recognition, the speaker can pick up voice commands from anywhere in the room, allowing you to control your smart home devices, play music, and access a wealth of information. The speaker supports Wi-Fi connectivity and can be controlled using the Mi Home app.
Calling Capabilities: What You Can Expect
Now, let’s move on to the calling capabilities of the Mi Smart Speaker. The good news is that the speaker does support making calls, but there are some limitations and requirements to be aware of.
The Mi Smart Speaker comes with a built-in microphone and speaker, allowing you to make hands-free calls. However, to use the speaker for calls, you will need to pair it with a smartphone or tablet. The speaker supports Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to connect it to your device and make calls using the speaker.
Making Calls Using the Mi Smart Speaker
To make a call using the Mi Smart Speaker, follow these steps:
- Pair the Mi Smart Speaker with your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth.
- Ensure that the speaker is connected to a stable internet connection.
- Use the voice assistant on your paired device to initiate a call.
- Speak the name or number of the contact you wish to call, and the speaker will connect the call.
It’s essential to note that the Mi Smart Speaker does not support making phone calls independently. You will always need to pair it with a smartphone or tablet to make calls.
Additional Requirements and Limitations
While the Mi Smart Speaker does support making calls, there are some additional requirements and limitations to be aware of.
Firstly, the speaker requires an active internet connection to function. If the internet connection is lost, the speaker will not be able to make or receive calls.
Secondly, the speaker is not compatible with all devices or operating systems. It works best with Android and iOS devices, but compatibility may vary depending on the device and version.
Lastly, the speaker’s call quality may not be as clear or stable as a traditional phone call. The call quality may be affected by the internet connection, the device’s microphone and speaker quality, and other environmental factors.
The Benefits of Using the Mi Smart Speaker for Calls
While there may be some limitations to using the Mi Smart Speaker for calls, there are also some benefits.
Hands-Free Convenience
One of the primary benefits of using the Mi Smart Speaker for calls is the hands-free convenience it offers. With the speaker’s advanced voice recognition capabilities, you can initiate and control calls without needing to physically interact with your device.
Multi-Tasking Made Easy
Another benefit of using the Mi Smart Speaker for calls is that it allows you to multi-task with ease. Whether you’re cooking, cleaning, or working, the speaker enables you to make and receive calls while keeping your hands free to focus on other tasks.
Smart Home Integration
The Mi Smart Speaker is designed to integrate seamlessly with other smart devices in your home. By using the speaker for calls, you can control your smart home devices, play music, and access information without needing to physically interact with each device.
Alternatives to the Mi Smart Speaker for Calls
If you’re not satisfied with the Mi Smart Speaker’s calling capabilities or would like to explore alternative options, there are several other smart speakers that support making calls.
One popular alternative is the Amazon Echo, which comes with Alexa, Amazon’s virtual assistant. The Echo supports making hands-free calls and offers a range of features, including smart home integration and multi-room audio.
Another alternative is the Google Home, which comes with Google Assistant. The Google Home also supports making hands-free calls and offers advanced features, including multi-room audio and smart home integration.
Comparison Table: Mi Smart Speaker vs Amazon Echo vs Google Home
| Feature | Mi Smart Speaker | Amazon Echo | Google Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calling Capabilities | Supports making calls via Bluetooth | Supports making hands-free calls | Supports making hands-free calls |
| Smart Home Integration | Supports integration with Mi smart devices | Supports integration with Amazon Alexa devices | Supports integration with Google Home devices |
| Multi-Room Audio | Not supported | Supported | Supported |
| Virtual Assistant | Xiaomi’s voice assistant | Alexa | Google Assistant |
Conclusion
While the Mi Smart Speaker does support making calls, it’s essential to be aware of the limitations and requirements. The speaker requires an active internet connection, Bluetooth connectivity, and a paired device to make calls. However, the benefits of using the Mi Smart Speaker for calls, including hands-free convenience, multi-tasking, and smart home integration, make it an attractive option for those already invested in the Mi ecosystem.
Ultimately, whether or not to use the Mi Smart Speaker for calls depends on your specific needs and requirements. If you’re looking for a device that offers seamless integration with your Mi smart devices and hands-free call capabilities, the Mi Smart Speaker may be an excellent choice. However, if you’re looking for a device with more advanced calling features or compatibility with multiple devices, you may want to explore alternative options.
Can Mi Smart Speaker be used to make hands-free calls?
The Mi Smart Speaker can be used for hands-free calling, provided it is connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. This feature allows users to make and receive calls without needing to physically interact with their phone. Once connected, the speaker can act as a hands-free device, allowing users to engage in voice or video conversations with others.
To use the Mi Smart Speaker for hands-free calling, users need to pair it with their smartphone via Bluetooth or connect it to the same Wi-Fi network. Once paired, users can initiate calls or answer incoming calls directly from the speaker. This feature is highly convenient, especially in situations where users need to multitask or have their hands occupied with other activities.
Do I need to install a specific app to enable calling on Mi Smart Speaker?
Yes, users need to install and configure the Mi Home app or the Google Assistant app on their smartphone to enable calling on the Mi Smart Speaker. The Mi Home app allows users to manage and configure their speaker settings, including setting up voice calls. The Google Assistant app, on the other hand, integrates with Google services, enabling voice calls and other features.
Both apps are available for download from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Once installed, users can follow the in-app instructions to configure the speaker and enable voice calling. The process is relatively straightforward and requires minimal technical expertise.
Can I use Mi Smart Speaker to make VoIP calls or only cellular network calls?
Mi Smart Speaker can be used to make both cellular network calls and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) calls, provided the user has a stable internet connection. For cellular network calls, the speaker must be paired with a smartphone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and the call will be routed through the phone’s cellular network.
For VoIP calls, users can configure the speaker to use their preferred VoIP service, such as Google Voice or other third-party services. This requires a stable internet connection and a configured VoIP account. Once set up, users can make VoIP calls directly from the speaker.
Is the audio quality during calls on Mi Smart Speaker good?
The audio quality during calls on the Mi Smart Speaker is generally good, with clear and crisp sound. The speaker features a high-quality microphone that picks up voice well, even in noisy environments. The speaker’s drivers also provide clear and balanced audio, allowing users to engage in conversations with ease.
However, the audio quality may vary depending on factors such as the user’s internet connection, the quality of the phone’s microphone, and the surrounding environment. But overall, the Mi Smart Speaker is designed to provide good audio quality, making it suitable for hands-free calling.
Can I use Mi Smart Speaker to make group calls or conference calls?
Yes, the Mi Smart Speaker supports group calls and conference calls. Users can initiate group calls or conference calls directly from the speaker, provided they have a stable internet connection and the required apps configured. The speaker can connect to multiple callers, allowing users to engage in group conversations with ease.
To initiate a group call or conference call, users can use voice commands or the Mi Home app to configure the call settings. The speaker’s audio capabilities can handle multiple callers, providing clear and crisp sound for all participants.
Can I customize the calling experience on Mi Smart Speaker?
Yes, users can customize the calling experience on the Mi Smart Speaker to some extent. The Mi Home app allows users to configure various settings, such as call volume, microphone sensitivity, and audio output. Users can also customize the speaker’s voice assistant to perform specific actions during calls, such as answering or rejecting calls.
Additionally, users can configure the speaker to use their preferred VoIP service or configure custom voice commands to initiate calls. However, the customization options may vary depending on the user’s preferred voice assistant and the apps they have installed.
Is my personal and call data secure when using Mi Smart Speaker for calls?
Xiaomi takes user data security seriously, and the Mi Smart Speaker is designed to protect personal and call data. The speaker uses end-to-end encryption for voice calls, and all voice data is stored securely on Xiaomi’s servers. Additionally, users can configure the speaker to require a voice prompt or password to initiate calls, adding an extra layer of security.
However, as with any connected device, users should be aware of the potential risks associated with data breaches or unauthorized access. Users should ensure they configure the speaker’s security settings and keep their firmware up to date to ensure optimal security.