Google Home to Compete with Amazon Echo

Announced today, the Google Home.  Previously code named the Chirp. Similar in form to the original Echo, but with more design choices.  Google is know to have some of the best voice AI systems around.  See also the Viv, by the same developers.

This new device also includes some of capabilities most often asked of the Echo. Like multi speaker control.  It brings in a number of initial partners to provide content, and some are the same as on the Echo.

   Also tries to cover similar retail and smart home capabilities. Like music, impulse services and smart lighting.  At this time it is not open to third party 'skill' developers. As in the Echo, there is no embedded screen.  I find that design choice interesting.  You leave out a sensory channel on purpose and create a new kind of presence.   No price has been announced, it is due to be out later this year.  

Google Plans to Chirp the Echo

In NDTv:  Rumors out there that Google and others will soon announce challengers to the Amazon Echo.   If anything Amazon has shown that consumers are interested in getting help from talking virtual assistants.   The players are all also talking 'smart home' hub applications.    But what is likely to best drive sales of such systems?  Information, music, advice, retail, search, some PC function replacement?

" .... Google is reportedly working on its own Amazon Echo-like speaker which is said to integrate the search engine as well as voice-based virtual assistant. ... Recode reports that Google's device to compete against Amazon's Echo has been internally codenamed "Chirp" and will look like the company's OnHub wireless router. ... "