Both Alphabet’s Google Home and Mesh Wi-Fi products have been tipped for a retail rollout into the Australian market as soon as July 20th.
As originally reported by AusDroid, the products will be available through JB Hi-Fi, Telstra, Optus and Office Works.
AusDroid add they “suspect Harvey Norman will be on-board too, but can’t get confirmation.”
The Google Home will be offered as a single $199 unit, while the mesh Wi-Fi system will be available in as a single unit for $199 or 3-pack for $499.
“According to tips, Google Home will be offered in a bundle deal with the Google Pixel as a bonus on selected eligible plans,” they also claimed.
If true, the release would be a major shot across the bow for Amazon, who are said to be planning an expansion into the Australian market within the next twelve months. The company’s Amazon’s Echo and Alexa Assistant are expected to play a major role in that endeavour.
Within overseas markets, particularly the United States, the pair has grown to become the dominant smart home product.
Alexa has been estimated to hold a dominant 70% market share in the US, outselling Google Home 3-to-1.
However, according to recent testing, Google’s Home is said to offer an experience up to 6x more accurate.
Should Google’s product take-off in Australia before Amazon even reaches the market, it could see the latter face an uphill battle in a category.
Alexa and Echo have found their biggest success within markets where they faced minimal competition, at least at launch.
It’s unknown exactly how Google getting to Australian customers first will affect Amazon’s local strategy for the product – but it almost certainly will.
