Your Voice Assistant Doesn’t Have To Be Cloudy

Tristram’s DIY voice assistant offers an elegant solution for those concerned about privacy while still enjoying the convenience of voice-controlled technology. By utilizing the ESP32 Lyrat development board with built-in audio outputs and microphones, along with additional components like NeoPixel LEDs and Dayton Audio speakers, he created a standalone assistant capable of both audio and visual interaction.

The heart of the build lies in configuring the ESP32 Lyrat to work as a voice assistant with the Home Assistant platform. Home Assistant provides a self-hosted smart home solution, allowing users to control their devices locally without relying on cloud services. This setup ensures data privacy and security, addressing concerns about third-party access to personal information.

In addition to the technical aspects, Tristram also demonstrates how to construct a simple yet attractive enclosure for the voice assistant. This enclosure blends seamlessly into the average home environment, minimizing any visual intrusion while still providing convenient access to the voice assistant’s functionality. Overall, Tristram’s project serves as a practical and privacy-conscious alternative to commercial voice assistant offerings.

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