Amazon and Google are going to introduce their next wave of smart voice devices for consumers very soon.
The season of new voice assistant-powered devices is coming. Amazon and Google’s are going to introduce their next wave of smart voice devices for consumers, according to several media outlets.
Amazon plans to release eight new Alexa-powered devices before the end of the year, according to a report by CNBC. Devices range from microwave oven to amplifier, receiver, subwoofer and in-car gadget.
The voice-controlled smart microwave oven is going to be a new product category for Amazon, if the report is true. The product has the potential to bring Alexa naturally into the kitchen, where the voice assistant can guide user to cook and can broadcast the “ready-to-eat” message via Alexa speakers.
It is worth noting that there are already similar gadgets in the market now working with Alexa, including GE’s smart microwave, Sonos’ amplifier and Garmin’s Alexa-compatible dash cam for usage in the car.
It isn’t certain if Amazon will make its own hardware or work with third-party manufacturers to launch the new products. Amazon declined to comment on the CNBC report.
Google’s Own Smart Display Speaker
Google, on the other hand, plans to launch its own device powered by the new Smart Display feature, which integrates Google Assistant with a display for visual presentation besides using voice.
The Google-made device powered by Smart Display, according to a report by MySmartPrice, will look like a Google Home Max speaker with a seven-inch tablet attached to the front.
The seven-inch LCD screen will have a relatively thick border around it and won’t have a front-facing camera, which enables the video-call feature for the smart speaker.
The new Google device with Smart Display will cost US$149, according to the report. It’s more affordable than other similar devices from third-party manufacturers. Lenovo’s Smart Display costs US$200 and JBL’s Link View costs US$250.
Google will hold its hardware event on October 9. The new Google Home device is expected to be announced then.