Home, the search giant’s always-listening Amazon Echo rival that was announced at Google I/O 2016, is basically a “dressed up” version of the company’s $35 Chromecast HDMI dongle, claims a paywall’d article published by The Information.
It’s a bit odd that Google’s upcoming device doesn’t run Android—it’s powered by the same Linux-based OS used on the Chromecast—though Google has reportedly discussed using Android for the next version of Home.
“The guts of Home, including its ARM-based microprocessor and Wi-Fi chip, will be the same as those in the Chromecast,” writes The Information, citing a person with direct knowledge of the plan.
In fact, Google’s Mario Queiroz who led the team which developed the Chromecast, a video-streaming device, has been charged with leading Home development.
“In other words, Home will essentially be a microphone, speaker, plastic top with LED lights and a fabric or metal bottom—wrapped around a Chromecast,” says the story.
Responding to the “OK Google” hot word, Home uses Google Assistant, the company’s new AI helper, and builds on a decade of innovation in natural language processing, speech recognition and artificial intelligence.
Using conversational speech, you can ask Home to play a song, set a timer for the oven, check flights, turn on the lights, manage everyday tasks, get answers from Google and more. The accessory has customizable bases in different colors and materials.
Home is launching later this year at a yet-to-be-determined price.
Source: The Information