Amazing, thanks for writing that up with links. I need to save this comment.
Most likely I'll do this the exact way you have, not using the HASS integration (I've found it limiting in several ways; particularly when using Frigate, as the HASS Appliance doesn't provide a way to mount storage).
I use Node-RED for a couple of things now and it's a really nice interface for creating complex interactions that would just be a bit of a nightmare to write up in YAML.
I've tried a couple of things so far, like the M5 Stack Atom speaker with ESPHome Media Player which meets the compactness requirement but audio quality is awful and the volume is so quiet it's practically rendered useless just by fan noise from computers in my home office.
Using a decent HAT, I might build something little out of wood that won't look out of place in the living room; my wife is ~~unlikely~~ not going to approve anything like (6). The ReSpeaker 2 with it's JST for a little speaker might be ideal!
Most likely I'll do this the exact way you have, not using the HASS integration (I've found it limiting in several ways; particularly when using Frigate, as the HASS Appliance doesn't provide a way to mount storage).
I use Node-RED for a couple of things now and it's a really nice interface for creating complex interactions that would just be a bit of a nightmare to write up in YAML.
I've tried a couple of things so far, like the M5 Stack Atom speaker with ESPHome Media Player which meets the compactness requirement but audio quality is awful and the volume is so quiet it's practically rendered useless just by fan noise from computers in my home office.
Using a decent HAT, I might build something little out of wood that won't look out of place in the living room; my wife is ~~unlikely~~ not going to approve anything like (6). The ReSpeaker 2 with it's JST for a little speaker might be ideal!