Yep, Google is working on an Echo competitor, and it’s reportedly named “Chirp.” Please, Google, don’t let that be the “trigger” word to wake the device up.
According to a report from Recode, a product team at Google is working on a device that will integrate deeply with the search giant’s search and voice AI; essentially, Google Now will live in an elongated device that’s meant to live among your other smart home gadgets.
The upcoming device will allegedly be a refashioned OnHub wireless router, with a design that’s likely very similar in size and shape. A similar report from The Information said Google’s alleged Echo competitor could be portable, much like the Amazon Tap.
“Sources said the device is unlikely to launch next week at Google’s I/O developer conference, but plans are for it to land at some point this year,” Recode’s Mark Bergen said.
Despite not being ready for launch, Google still might discuss the device at the developer event; Recode claims Google will highlight voice search and intelligent personal assistance at its event next week, with this Echo-like device taking center stage.
Google Now, which Google initially released back in 2012, seems like a perfect fit for the home, and apparently engineers inside the search giant’s labs agree. It’s just odd that Google took this long to introduce it.
Amazon’s Echo has gone on to become one of the company’s most popular devices, buoyed by Alexa, an intelligent assistant capable of completing queries and searching the web. Google’s Echo competitor will likely be able to perform the same tasks and deeply integrate with the company’s existing services.
Although we’re not expected to see the final version of the device, Google could still reveal details as soon as next week. We’ll be there to bring you all the big news.
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