Google Home is a peripheral designed for use with the Google search engine and other applications. It uses speech recognition to process voice commands and then taps into a WiFi network to execute those commands. [1] Google Home was released in the United States on November 4th, 2016 at a starting price of $129. A worldwide release has not yet been announced. [3]
Specifications
Physically, Google Home is very conveniently sized for easy home integration, hence the name. The device is 5.62 in (142.8 mm) tall and 3.79 in (96.4 mm) in diameter and weighs 1.05 lbs (477 g). The device is packaged with an AC adapter which is also conveniently sized for a wide variety of placement options. The AC adapter cord measures 70.8 in (1.8 m) long and the entire adapter, cord and all, weighs a measly 4.58 oz (130 g). There's little chance of Google Home or its cord damaging any furniture or appliances. [2]
Google Home requires a constant internet connection in order to function. The device does not rely on a wired connection in order to maintain internet access, instead boasting an "802.11b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz/5Ghz) Wi-Fi for high-performance streaming." This design is intended to allow for the maximum available options for Google Home placement without any concern for how the device will be connected to an internet router via ethernet cable. [2]
Google Home
As a device meant for audio interfacing, Google Home includes a variety of supported audio formats and sophisticated speaker technology. In terms of supported audio formats, Google Home is capable of recognizing and playing files from "HE-AAC, LC-AAC+, MP3, Vorbis, WAV (LPCM), FLAC" all "with support for high-resolution streams." As for speaker tech, Google Home's output features a "high excursion speaker with 2 [in] driver" and "dual 2 [in] passive radiators [that] deliver clear highs and rich bass." Google Home's speaker input functionality features "far-field voice recognition [that] supports hands-free use."
Google Home requires some setup via the Google Home application. In order to interface with the device, the user's smartphone or tablet must meet certain specifications. For Android users, Google Home supports the "Android 4.2 and higher" version of operating system. For Apple users, the operating system support is "iOS 8.0 and higher." Any older versions of Android OS or iOS are not supported for Google Home interfacing. [2]
Features
Google Home features minimal physical controls: a touchscreen volume adjustment on its top surface, a mute button on its side, and modular speaker screens that come in a variety of colors. These features, in addition to plugging in a simple AC adapter for power, are the extent of touch-based interaction with Google Home. Otherwise, it relies entirely on voice operation. With the simple prompt "Okay Google" (which has already been incorporated into their standard search engine on other devices), Google Home listens for a command and then takes a few seconds to process the command after it has been issued. These commands can be as simple as what one would normally use Google to achieve, such as asking "Where is the nearest restaurant?" or "How would I say 'No thank you' in Mandarin?" [1]
However, Google Home can be integrated into one's Google account or interface with partnered software. For example, if I request a specific song or playlist, then Google Home might access my library of Google Play Music tracks or search Spotify to satisfy my request. Additionally, Google Home can be connected to smart devices throughout the household, such as a Chromecast or Philips Hue, to allow voice control of said devices. This would allow the user to control lights throughout the house with a simple voice command. [1]
These commands can be as simple as what one would normally use Google to achieve, such as asking "Where is the nearest restaurant?" or "How would I say 'No thank you' in Mandarin?" However, Google Home can be integrated into one's Google account or interface with partnered software. For example, if I requested a specific song or a playlist, then Google Home might access my library of Google Play Music tracks or search Spotify to satisfy my request. Additionally, Google Home can be connected to smart devices throughout the household, such as a Chromecast or Philips Hue, to allow voice control of said devices. This would allow the user to control lights throughout the house with a simple voice command. [1]
In its current state, Google Home acts as a type of consummate integration of all a user's devices and applications. Google Home also boasts state-of-the-art natural language processing, resulting in the best voice-operated device on the market. [1]
Competition
Google Home was developed as an answer to the Amazon Echo, another voice-operated smart device with features similar to Home. According to CNET's Andrew Gebhart, Google Home still has a long way to go before it becomes the definitive go-to smart speaker. Gebhart's reasoning for Echo's superiority lies in its broader third-party support and a greater variety of applications, which Home cannot currently match. Areas in which Home does have the advantage offer only a marginal edge, resulting in a system that still has plenty of growing to do before it can beat out its competitor. [4]
Google Home is a peripheral designed for use with the Google search engine and other applications. It uses speech recognition to process voice commands and then taps into a WiFi network to execute those commands. [1] Google Home was released in the United States on November 4th, 2016 at a starting price of $129. A worldwide release has not yet been announced. [3]
Specifications
Physically, Google Home is very conveniently sized for easy home integration, hence the name. The device is 5.62 in (142.8 mm) tall and 3.79 in (96.4 mm) in diameter and weighs 1.05 lbs (477 g). The device is packaged with an AC adapter which is also conveniently sized for a wide variety of placement options. The AC adapter cord measures 70.8 in (1.8 m) long and the entire adapter, cord and all, weighs a measly 4.58 oz (130 g). There's little chance of Google Home or its cord damaging any furniture or appliances. [2]
Google Home requires a constant internet connection in order to function. The device does not rely on a wired connection in order to maintain internet access, instead boasting an "802.11b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz/5Ghz) Wi-Fi for high-performance streaming." This design is intended to allow for the maximum available options for Google Home placement without any concern for how the device will be connected to an internet router via ethernet cable. [2]
As a device meant for audio interfacing, Google Home includes a variety of supported audio formats and sophisticated speaker technology. In terms of supported audio formats, Google Home is capable of recognizing and playing files from "HE-AAC, LC-AAC+, MP3, Vorbis, WAV (LPCM), FLAC" all "with support for high-resolution streams." As for speaker tech, Google Home's output features a "high excursion speaker with 2 [in] driver" and "dual 2 [in] passive radiators [that] deliver clear highs and rich bass." Google Home's speaker input functionality features "far-field voice recognition [that] supports hands-free use."
Google Home requires some setup via the Google Home application. In order to interface with the device, the user's smartphone or tablet must meet certain specifications. For Android users, Google Home supports the "Android 4.2 and higher" version of operating system. For Apple users, the operating system support is "iOS 8.0 and higher." Any older versions of Android OS or iOS are not supported for Google Home interfacing. [2]
Features
Google Home features minimal physical controls: a touchscreen volume adjustment on its top surface, a mute button on its side, and modular speaker screens that come in a variety of colors. These features, in addition to plugging in a simple AC adapter for power, are the extent of touch-based interaction with Google Home. Otherwise, it relies entirely on voice operation. With the simple prompt "Okay Google" (which has already been incorporated into their standard search engine on other devices), Google Home listens for a command and then takes a few seconds to process the command after it has been issued. These commands can be as simple as what one would normally use Google to achieve, such as asking "Where is the nearest restaurant?" or "How would I say 'No thank you' in Mandarin?" [1]
However, Google Home can be integrated into one's Google account or interface with partnered software. For example, if I request a specific song or playlist, then Google Home might access my library of Google Play Music tracks or search Spotify to satisfy my request. Additionally, Google Home can be connected to smart devices throughout the household, such as a Chromecast or Philips Hue, to allow voice control of said devices. This would allow the user to control lights throughout the house with a simple voice command. [1]
These commands can be as simple as what one would normally use Google to achieve, such as asking "Where is the nearest restaurant?" or "How would I say 'No thank you' in Mandarin?" However, Google Home can be integrated into one's Google account or interface with partnered software. For example, if I requested a specific song or a playlist, then Google Home might access my library of Google Play Music tracks or search Spotify to satisfy my request. Additionally, Google Home can be connected to smart devices throughout the household, such as a Chromecast or Philips Hue, to allow voice control of said devices. This would allow the user to control lights throughout the house with a simple voice command. [1]
In its current state, Google Home acts as a type of consummate integration of all a user's devices and applications. Google Home also boasts state-of-the-art natural language processing, resulting in the best voice-operated device on the market. [1]
Competition
Google Home was developed as an answer to the Amazon Echo, another voice-operated smart device with features similar to Home. According to CNET's Andrew Gebhart, Google Home still has a long way to go before it becomes the definitive go-to smart speaker. Gebhart's reasoning for Echo's superiority lies in its broader third-party support and a greater variety of applications, which Home cannot currently match. Areas in which Home does have the advantage offer only a marginal edge, resulting in a system that still has plenty of growing to do before it can beat out its competitor. [4]
[1] https://madeby.google.com/home/
[2] https://support.google.com/googlehome/answer/7072284?hl=en
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Home
[4] https://www.cnet.com/news/google-home-vs-amazon-echo/