ZDNet is reporting that Google may be developing a competitor to the Amazon Echo, a voice-command device that can provide search feedback and smart home control. The assumption is that the device will utilize the Google Now voice assistant, similar to Amazon's Alexa and Apple's Siri, and that it will incorporate Google Cast for multi-room AV streaming.
From ZDNet
Google wants to extend its services into your home, past the Nest, mobile phones, and tablets.
The Information reports there is a "secret Google project" to make a competitor to the Amazon Echo, a speaker/voice assistant that sits in your home and listens to commands.
The publication doesn't specifically mention features of the Amazon Echo-like device, as the anecdote was included in a story about Google's Nest division struggling to integrate within the company.
Knowing Google, a few assumptions can be made. The speaker will probably utilize Google Now, the company's voice assistant similar to Amazon's Alexa and Apple's Siri. Google Now utilizes Google services to provide information to users, and it's likely Google's Echo competitor will have similar, deep Google integration.
Further, Google just renamed its Chromecast app to Google Cast, perhaps signaling a move for the app to beam music to more than just a Chrome cast dongle.
To read the complete ZDNet story, click here.
Additional Resources
• Google Announces New Chromecast Devices at HomeTheaterReview.com.
• Does Google Have the Power to Take Control of Your Whole Home? at HomeTheaterReview.com.