Balance Nordic Ice non-GVA is also available on USA website. :)

beojeff wrote:

@Moxxey-

I seem to recall that you're a GVA user. Perhaps you'd like to contribute your opinions regarding the features, advantages, and disadvantages of the GVA vs. non-GVA versions.

I have GVA and non-GVA, including two BeoSound 2's with both options. All I'd say is, I don't see the point of getting one without GVA. If you don't want it, just don't use it. My BeoSound 2 without GVA seems outdated now.

With GVA, I don't use it for much. I just shout a the speaker to play something I want to listen, get it to change channels, often alter the volume with just a voice and so on. Just easier.

Of course, you can get up, go over, control yourself or pickup an iPad and find what you want, but you can do that with the GVA version too, plus have some voice control - just handy.

It's posted it twice - shame you can't delete a post.

moxxey wrote:

I have GVA and non-GVA, including two BeoSound 2's with both options. All I'd say is, I don't see the point of getting one without GVA. If you don't want it, just don't use it. My BeoSound 2 without GVA seems outdated now. With GVA, I don't use it for much. I just shout a the speaker to play something I want to listen, get it to change channels, often alter the volume with just a voice and so on. Just easier.

Of course, you can get up, go over, control yourself or pickup an iPad and find what you want, but you can do that with the GVA version too, plus have some voice control - just handy.

Sandeep outlines exactly my impression of the whole GVA or non-GVA question:

If your intention is to NOT use Google Voice functions, then I think it's important to get a non-GVA device as opposed to getting a GVA device and switching off the mic. We all know the software bugs you to turn the mic back on all the time.

GVA devices are intended to be used with GVA implemented, it seems. And can be irritating if used otherwise.

So if privacy concerns are not relevant to you, then I'd say get the GVA if you intend to use Google Voice functionality; and if you intend NOT to use Google Voice functionality, it pays to stay away from the GVA version.

Curly wrote:

Sandeep outlines exactly my impression of the whole GVA or non-GVA question:

If your intention is to NOT use Google Voice functions, then I think it's important to get a non-GVA device as opposed to getting a GVA device and switching off the mic. We all know the software bugs you to turn the mic back on all the time.

GVA devices are intended to be used with GVA implemented, it seems. And can be irritating if used otherwise.

So if privacy concerns are not relevant to you, then I'd say get the GVA if you intend to use Google Voice functionality; and if you intend NOT to use Google Voice functionality, it pays to stay away from the GVA version.

Currently: BeoLab 17, BeoLab 18, BeoSound Core, Beosound Level, Beosound A1 2nd Gen, BeoPlay S8 Connection Hub, Halo, Essence Remote

Previously: BeoSound 1 non-GVA

Sandyb wrote:

I had a Level GVA, used with the microphone switched off

Still don't get why you wouldn't use GVA? I have no negative experiences at all, rarely picks up things it shouldn't (to be fair, sometimes the Balance can hear me ask the Level to do something) and it's far easier when it's on the wall and you just want to play or when you're outside on a sunbed enjoying your downtime and you want the volume up.

What's the point of getting up and/or fannying around when you can just tell it to do something? Makes no sense to me.

As for 'privacy issues'. I won't go in to detail, but I'm sure I've mentioned I run a software business? We're employed to work on the software that powers these devices - I can assure you it doesn't record terrabytes of audio for Google or anyone else to listen and/or try and sell you products. It does make mistakes though, granted. It might overhear something it thinks you said, but don't mistake that for paranoia over what it's doing. Your device doesn't have storage. It's not recording your audio. It's not uploading your content either. If it was, any half-reasonable techie would see GBs of data being uploaded to servers, especially if you have many GVA devices like I have here.

moxxey wrote:

Still don't get why you wouldn't use GVA? I have no negative experiences at all,

The negative effect of GVA you won't notice directly, it is about collecting data about the people using it.

Data that will be collected , analysed sold for adtech and used against you in a way you won't notice. (Cambridge Analytica scandal)

That certain 3 letter agencies could listen along through your GVA speaker is maybe unlikely but surely possible.

As we know by now since the Pegasus software is there.

But you know that already running a software business, but others maybe not.

The idea that devices as speakers are listening 24/7 is just too much for many people.

And I don't mind to take a few steps and stretch my arm to turn on/off the light.

Using the wheels and lever of my Beosound 5 for putting on some music or setting volume is a more pleasant experience than tapping around on my smartphone wich I'm doing already too much...

There used to be a commercial on Dutch tv of a man who operated everything in his house with his voice; coffeemachine agenda, music(a BS 9000 !)

and door lock.

When he comes back from the dentist still sedated, the smart doorlock won't let him in because he doesn't recognise the voice from his sedated mouth anymore.

He's standing outside in the pouring rain...😁😁😜

2 reasons.

I find talking instructions out loud into the ether an odd thing, and one I'm unlikely to get used to.

Voice control is not sophisticated enough for me to use it and get over the oddness described above.

And when it comes to having a Google presence in my home, I'm happy to limit it to my browser searching and no more. Apple are by no means perfect in this arena, but I trust them by factors more than Google. Thats before you get to the myriad other hardware partners who use Google software and rely on monetising as much of your data as they can.  Just one read of the Verge editor Nilay Patels experience with his parents Vizio TV is instructive enough - it was broadcasting large amounts of data back to Vizio, something which he confirmed with Vizio's CEO on a podcast interview. Myriad other examples too.

But anyway, I get that there is no perfect privacy at all, but there are shades of grey in how one lives online and how much of this stuff one invites into ones home.

I'd suggest a less declaratory tone - more than happy for people to buy GVA devices, but I try to not to exclaim that"I just dont get it".

moxxey wrote:

Sandyb wrote:

I had a Level GVA, used with the microphone switched off

Still don't get why you wouldn't use GVA? I have no negative experiences at all, rarely picks up things it shouldn't (to be fair, sometimes the Balance can hear me ask the Level to do something) and it's far easier when it's on the wall and you just want to play or when you're outside on a sunbed enjoying your downtime and you want the volume up.

What's the point of getting up and/or fannying around when you can just tell it to do something? Makes no sense to me.

As for 'privacy issues'. I won't go in to detail, but I'm sure I've mentioned I run a software business? We're employed to work on the software that powers these devices - I can assure you it doesn't record terrabytes of audio for Google or anyone else to listen and/or try and sell you products. It does make mistakes though, granted. It might overhear something it thinks you said, but don't mistake that for paranoia over what it's doing. Your device doesn't have storage. It's not recording your audio. It's not uploading your content either. If it was, any half-reasonable techie would see GBs of data being uploaded to servers, especially if you have many GVA devices like I have here.

I imagine your dealer will order you whatever you want? I realize he may tend to purchase GVA versions as his stock; but if you want a non-GVA Balance, he can order it for you in the same way he can order you a Gold BL28 if he doesn't have one in stock or a Bespoke Balance to your liking.

If for some reason the dealer won't order you what you want, then I'd imagine the response would be "I can buy this off B&O's website, but I'd prefer to give you my business." See what he says. :)