Tech companies are always looking for ways to make our lives easier – not from an altruistic point of view, the bottom line is behind it all – and the automated personal assistant is the latest foot-soldier in the battle of must-have tech.
Earlier this year we told you how Amazon had launched Echo, a cloud-connected personal assistant that can help with everything from homework to housekeeping, and since its release Amazon has fitted it with even more functionality, enabling it to able to order takeaway, access Google Calendar and even offer up recommendations for eating out.
And now Google has joined the party with the release of Google Home.
What is Google Home?
Google Home is a small, interactive speaker device that acts as a cloud-connected personal assistant that can answer questions via Google Search results and control a number of integrated apps and services.
What does Google Home look like?
It’s basically a small, oval-shaped speaker, but while Amazon went for a simple black cylinder that would probably blend in well with any home entertainment system, Google has opted for a white, tear-shaped design with a base that can be customized to fit in anywhere around the home. It looks more like a vase than a speaker.
What does Google Home do?
Google Home has access to Google Play Music and integration with Google Cast, which includes thousands of apps including Spotify, Pandora and Netflix – meaning at some point in the not-too-distant future you’ll be able to use it to access movies and TV shows on your main screen.
Mario Queiroz, vice president of product management at Google said: “Want to watch that trending YouTube video on your TV? Just tell Google Home and the content will appear on the biggest brightest screen in your house.”
And Google also owns Nest, the home thermostats that has expanded to include an increasing array of automated devices, meaning you’ll be able to use Home to adjust your home’s heating and lighting, among other things.
We’ve certainly come a long way since Ask Jeeves.
