Amazon and Google News: Search Giant Lags Behind in the Race for Smart Home Hardware
The current trend of modern-day technology has companies fighting each other in a race to the future. Although a voice assistant is no longer new today, integrating it into other home devices seems to be the next logical step that tech giants, like Amazon and Google, are taking. Reports have revealed that Amazon is leading the race, with Google following close behind with a rumored device that is meant to compete with the Echo Show.
According to The Verge, Amazon recently unveiled six new devices that are meant to get their voice assistant, Alexa, everywhere. The company discussed the smaller Echo, the Echo Plus with a smart hub, the Echo Spot alarm clock, the Fire TV with 4K and HDR support, the Echo Buttons for the casual gamer, and another gadget that can allow the Echo to make calls.
Considering Google is still trying to optimize and develop the Google Assistant, the recent reveals secured Amazon the top spot in the race.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Amazon's next step is yet to be determined but they are currently working on integrating Alexa in the luxury cars that BMW is known for. Meanwhile, Google is trudging on the same path at a slower pace. Sources have confirmed to TechCrunch that the search engine giant is currently working on a home screen that will pit it against Amazon's Echo Show.
Internally known as "Manhattan," the home screen will feature something like the 7-inch display that can be found on the Echo Show. Furthermore, it will have support for YouTube, Google Assistant, Google Photos, and video calls. More details are expected during Google's hardware event, which is going to be held on Oct. 4. In the meantime, the smart home market has their eyes set on Amazon, which is why Google has a lot to catch up on.
