A computer-implemented method, comprises: initiating, by a primary computing device, a voice-interaction mode for operating the primary computing device to receive voice commands from a user and provide audio output in response to the voice commands; transmitting, by the primary computing device to a secondary computing device categorized as a nearby device, a first control signal that configures the nearby device to reduce a volume level associated with an audio stream generated by the nearby device while the primary computing device is operating in the voice-interaction mode; and after the primary computing device is finished operating in the voice-interaction mode, transmitting, by the primary computing device to the nearby device, a second control signal that configures the nearby device to return to a previous volume level.