Google Home will be the first smart speaker to hit the Australian market when it launches later this week.
In line with rumours circulating yesterday, the company will begin selling Google Home as well as its mesh Wi-Fi router Google Wifi locally this Thursday.
Product manager of Google Home Raunaq Shah said the device “speaks ‘Strayan” and has been adjusted for Australian users.
“With a distinctly Aussie voice, your Assistant on Google Home speaks and understands your language,” Shah said.
“Ask it for brekkie ideas or where the nearest servo is. You can also ask it what sound a Kookaburra makes, and it’ll cue the laughter we all know and love. And of course, we’ve hidden a few Aussie treats for you to discover along the way.”
Along with features like being able to respond to questions, translate phrases and solve maths problems, Google Assistant on Google Home will also be able to read the news from local sources like Fox Sports, ABC News and The Australian.
Google Home launched in the United States last November for US$129 ($164), compared to its local price tag of $199.
Australians will also soon have access to “seamless internet coverage for homes of any shape or size” according to the company thanks to the mesh Wi-Fi technology in Google Wifi.
“Within our mesh network, each Google Wifi point creates a high-powered connection, and the different Wifi points work together to determine the best path for your data. The result is Wi-Fi coverage even in hard-to reach areas, not just right next to the router,” Shah said.
Google Wifi will retail for $199 for a single-pack and $499 for a three-pack.
Both new products will be available on The Google Store along with JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, Officeworks and The Good Guys. Google Home will also be available from Telstra, Optus and Qantas Store.
