In a bid to match Amazon's highly efficient voice-controlled assistant, Google is reportedly working on a device that will function just like the Amazon Echo. The company is obviously trying to compete with the Echo, which has received great feedback from the public.
Independent reported that Google has embarked on a "secret project" to create a device similar to Amazon's Echo, the leading device in its market. It explained that there were issues with the company and the Google-owned Nest during the initial stage of the project.
The same report noted that the creator of the Nest Thermostat was believed to be part of the "secret project" but Google did not allow them. It was also highlighted that no details have been revealed about the Google project but said that important information may be disclosed during the I/O developer conference in May.
According to Information, Google has an existing technology which is similar to Echo in its Android mobile operating system. "It makes sense to bring that expertise into the home, where Google and Nest are competing head on with Amazon, Apple and countless other companies," added the same report.
The question isn’t whether Google’s working on an Echo competitor — it’s why the hell hasn’t there been one all this time.
— Phil Nickinson ✘ (@philnickinson) March 24, 2016
Released in June last year, the Amazon Echo is a hands-free speaker which can be controlled using voice activation. Its official website said it can follow voice commands and instructions since it is connected to a cloud which it uses to pick up all kinds of information from weather updates to recipes to news items.
"Echo connects to the Alexa Voice Service to play music, provide information, news, sports scores, weather, and more-instantly. All you have to do is ask," read its product description.
In a review, CNet said the Echo can be connected to various home products which can create a "futuristic home." It noted that the device is also practical and accessible for all members of the family to use.
