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no doubt its useful for that but is it really worth it considering the price? arent most assistants powered by batteries so it also has an ongoing cost, especially if you have multiple devices? all that just to add a timer 3-5 seconds quicker?

and then there's still other issues like privacy or the thing being an expensive paperweight if you're Internet isn't working

Definitely. I wouldn't consider buying an assistant for that. I just use my phone really, since it's free and I have it on me at all times anyway.

Could just turn the knob on your oven's timer and use a measuring jug.

Not all ovens have timers, not all measuring jugs have all necessary units and I my phone is not only more practical but also more available than one.

That’s an awful trade off.

How is it a trade off? You can use it for the things it's good at, and not use it for the things it sucks at. Seems fine to me.

Privacy is also a concern.