Alternatives to Alexa/Google/Siri?

Are there any viable alternatives to Hey Google / Siri / Alexa for coordinated home voice assistant? Having Google Home devices dotted around the house has been a big help to this solo dad – especially being able to say “Hey Google, set a 10 minute timer” and “Hey Google, add onions to the grocery list” while my hands are full. And “Hey Google, play some music” has been a nontrivial boost to my mental health.

But the way things are going I’m getting nervous about having Big Evil around the house; and anyway Google’s assistant ecosystem is practically abandonware at this point.

I don’t actually care that much about “home automation”; although I do like being able to turn off the light at the other end of my room from bed. Mostly I use it for:

  1. Playing music on command and having it follow me around the house
  2. Adding to my shopping lists
  3. Setting timers

Any suggestions? Please do note the “solo dad” part in the first para; any replies that involve “Raspberry Pi / Linux / hours of tinkering” will get you blocked to hell and gone with no second warning.

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