For Android enthusiasts who frequently use the command, “OK Google” to address their smartphones, tablets or smartwatches, you’re in luck: the same phrase will be able to be used for Google’s latest standalone home device. Codenamed Chirp, the digital assistant will compete with Amazon’s Echo, the popular device users command with “Alexa.”
Chirp combines Google’s popular search engine with its voice assistant technology, which debuted in Google Now. The digital assistant’s design resembles Google’s OnHub wireless router and is expected to be debuted at Google I/O, the company’s developer conference that takes place May 18-20, 2016.
Many saw the OnHub wireless router as a milestone into voice assistant technology, except for the fact that the device is missing a microphone. Chirp, on the other hand, is a beneficial tool with a microphone and voice assistant tech that helps users quickly obtain data and learn more.
With Android-powered devices, Google Now lets users perform certain activities, such as searching the web, setting an alarm, launching apps, and more. Bringing the technology to the home environment would eliminate the need to have your phone constantly on you at all times.
Currently, Amazon holds the reign for most popular digital assistant, but that may soon change. Along with Google introducing Chirp, the creators of Siri demoed Viv after it saw a need for a physical device for Siri to live in rather than solely being an app. SoundHound also unveiled a voice assistant platform called Houndify, which allows third-party developers to integrate their services into Hound. As Amazon and Viv heavily rely on third-party integration, Google’s new assistant will likely have to do the same to keep up.
Chirp is expected to launch later in 2016.
Source: Digital Trends
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