Abstract: A method for processing and responding to audio input signals includes receiving, at a first device, an audio input signal having a trigger prompt. At the first device, the audio input signal is processed to determine a first quality metric of the audio input signal. The first device transmits the first quality metric over a local network and monitors whether a higher second quality metric of the audio input signal is transmitted by a second device over the local network. If a higher second quality metric is not received by the first device, by the first device responds to the trigger prompt.