Google’s rumoured Amazon Echo-like smart speaker device could be demonstrated at Google I/O next week.
The Amazon Echo has been one of the breakout tech hits of recent times, thanks to its smart home hub design and helpful Alexa voice-activated assistant software.
We imagine that Google is one of several big tech companies that’s cursing itself for not having thought of it first – or not having launched first, at the very least.
According to Recode, we will soon be seeing what Google would do with the whole home assistant speaker concept. There doesn’t appear to be an official name for this device as yet, but it seems the Google product team is referring to it as the ‘Chirp’.
It seems the Chirp won’t be ready for launch at next week’s Google I/O, but we could still get a peek at it and its core voice-activated search technology ahead of a release later in the year.
The device itself will apparently resemble Google’s OnHub wireless router, but will contain the company’s search and voice assistant technology. So yeah, it’ll be just like the Amazon Echo, basically.
See also: Amazon Echo & Alexa: Everything you need to know
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard rumours of an Echo-like device from Google. Back at the end of March, The Information claimed the same thing.
One thing’s for sure – with Google’s unmatched set of web services, the Chirp has the potential to go far beyond the Echo’s capabilities. Amazon had better hurry up with that UK launch.
Next, take a look at what’s coming up in Android N:
What would you like to see from a Google home speaker? Let us know in the comments.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
