The smart-speaker market is flourishing with one from each of the big three tech magnates – Apple (HomePod), Amazon (Echo), and Google (Home). So what is a smart speaker actually? Wikipedia says, its a type of wireless speaker with an integrated virtual assistant that offers interactive actions and hands-free activation with the help of one “hot word”.
But why are we are talking about smart speakers suddenly? Well, simply put Google has finally decided to launch its own smart speaker – Google Home and Home Mini in India. Should you buy one or not? Find out the reasons below:
- Design – Google Home and Home Mini are elegantly designed to make gadgets blend in with your home decor. The former is bigger and may look like an air freshener or a small vase, while the latter is small enough to sit on your palm and looks more like a pebble. However Google Home’s base is swappable and hopefully we may see Google selling metallic or fabric bases in India too.
- Functionality – These smart speakers can not just play music but are capable of doing a lot more than you expect. Just like Google Assistant on Android phones, saying “Ok Google” or “Hey Google”, Home and Home Mini can answer your questions, perform tasks like setting an alarm, add items to your shopping list, set reminders and play videos on TV. You can also set a routine to perform a series of tasks.
- Multi-language – Google Assistant supports eight languages and by end of this year the number will go up to thirty including Hindi. A Hindi speaking speaker in India will surely grab some eyeballs using Home and Home Mini.
- Hands-free calling – Can you imagine sitting on your desk or working in the kitchen and talking to someone on a call without even touching your phone? With built in microphones, both these speakers assist in mobile telephony.
Google Home Mini - Connectivity with other devices – The speakers are Bluetooth-enabled and can be synced with other devices too for a number of activities.
