Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Smart Home
  3. News

Google could be creating an Assistant-powered smart display of its own

Lulu Chang
By

When Amazon debuted the Amazon Echo Show last year, we knew it would only be a matter of time before Google introduced its own smart display. Our suspicions were partially proved correct earlier in 2018, when Google Assistant stole the show at CES 2018 and was effectively integrated into every smart display from every hardware maker in the industry. But while you can find a Lenovo smart display powered by Google Assistant, a Sony smart display powered by Assistant, and JBL smart display powered by Assistant, and an LG smart display (you guessed it, powered by Assistant), there actually isn’t a fully Google-produced piece of hardware. But that could all be changing.

As initially reported by Variety, Google’s Rishi Chandra made a few comments last week that “strongly suggest” that the tech giant would be releasing its very own Echo Show competitor. When Variety asked why Google opted to partner with other companies instead of first building its own device, the executive said simply, “It’s an emerging category,” and then more tellingly, “I’m not saying we are not going to do it.”

Recommended Videos

The Google Home has been around since 2016 and was quickly followed by the lower-priced Google Home Mini and the higher-tiered Google Home Max. This larger speaker retails for $399 and is more in line with, say, an Apple HomePod or another high-end speaker. But Google also appears to have plans to compete with Amazon in a product category in which the Seattle-based retailer currently reigns supreme (largely by default). As Chandra said, “It’s a bet that the speaker market is evolving. Assistants will be a core part of this experience.”

Related

To keep up with that evolution, Google is investing in “smart sound,” which uses artificial intelligence to adjust the sound quality of a speaker in real time. That means that your smart speaker (and smart assistant) could one day be able to optimize its volume and output based on what other audio is present in a room.

“The simple truth is we need to become a must-have product,” Chandra said. As Google continues to iterate upon Assistant and its growing portfolio of smart speakers, it may soon achieve that indispensable status.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Lulu Chang
Lulu Chang
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…
Nest Hub Max vs. Echo Show 10: which is the better smart display?
The Nest Hub Max on a table.

The world of smart displays is dominated by two companies -- Amazon and Google. Amazon is responsible for the Echo Show 10, while Google is behind the Nest Hub Max. Both offer large screens, access to a massive roster of apps, and the ability to connect (and control) the rest of your smart home. There are a lot of similarities between the two popular displays, but there are a few key differences you should be aware of before adding one to your home.

Here's a closer look at the Echo Show 10 and Nest Hub Max to help you decide which is best.
Pricing and design

Read more
The Skylight Cal Max is a 27-inch smart calendar that might replace your smart display
The Skylight Cal Max installed on a wall.

Skylight, a company responsible for a variety of popular smart frames, is gearing up to launch the Cal Max -- a smart calendar that's a simplified version of a traditional smart display. You won't be watching Netflix on the massive 27-inch screen or tinkering with dozens of different apps, as it's aimed at providing families with a streamlined way to access their calendars, chores, meal planning, and photo albums without any of the clutter found on traditional smart displays.

The Cal Max is designed to help organize your home without introducing any unwanted distractions. You won't find a massive lineup of supported apps (as you typically see on smart displays). Instead, you can seamlessly sync your data from Google Calendar, Outlook, Apple Calendar, Cozi, and Yahoo, allowing family members to automatically push all their activities to the Cal Max for easy planning. It also doubles as a smart frame, letting you view photos sent by members of your family.

Read more
Nest Secure will be discontinued in April – prepare your smart home with these steps
Nest Secure Review

Google is dropping support for Nest Secure on April 8, at which time users will see a complete shutdown of its features. Whether you're using it as a bridge for your smart lock or as a home security system, the device will no longer connect to the internet, rendering it obsolete.

Google has already reached out to impacted users to let them know about the impending shutdown, but is there a replacement for Nest Secure available in 2024? And what exactly can you do to prepare for the discontinuation in April? Here's a look at everything you need to know about Nest Secure.
Check ADT for a Nest Secure replacement

Read more