Following the news of Microsoft Cortana & Amazon Alexa’s partnership, Google has offered a counter punch, announcing at IFA 2017 it will be rolling out Google Assistant into other brands’ smart speaker and appliances range.
The move is part of Google’s play to expand its voice assistant’s reach into third-party hardware, a strategy rivals Alexa and Cortana are also reportedly pursuing.
Available in Australia, US, Canada, Germany and France, the following speakers will receive Google Assistant, thereby giving them the functionality of Google Home.
- Zolo Mojo by Anker
- TicHome Mini by Mobvoi
- GA10 by Panasonic
Google Assistant will also be rolling out to home appliances, first starting with LG Electronics as its major appliances partner.
Google states in a blog post:
“[W]ith manufacturers like LG, you’ll be able control your appliances, including washers, dryers, vacuums and more from your Assistant on your smart speaker, Android phone or iPhone (any device with the Google Assistant built in!). Need to clean up? It’s as easy as “Ok Google, start vacuuming.” Want to know if your favorite jeans are clean?? “Ok Google, are my clothes clean?” or “is the laundry done?” Getting help around the house will be easier than ever.”
While thus far it doesn’t seem Google Assistant will be directly integrated into the appliances, users will be able to communicate with their smartphone, Google Home or an equivalent device (instead of talking directly to the appliance).
Google states there over 70 home automation manufacturers currently compatible with its Google Assistant.
The company also states more compatible brands will be announced during IFA 2017.
Google’s strategic move will only intensify competition in the virtual voice assistant market and will also accelerate development of the ‘smart-home’.
