As the success of the Amazon Echo continues to increase, competition is always sure to follow. Google Home is now one of Amazon’s top competitors, creating instability in the selling market.

The Amazon Echo is known by the famous name of “Alexa.” The device is able to recognize voices and respond when its name is called. Alexa is one of the essentials to making your home a “smart home.” The Echo is widely known for improving the home in means of security; it is partnered with wireless security systems. You can easily arm your doors by a voice command, and it is able to control lighting, temperature, and many other features. The device also has some entertaining features as well. It is able to order food for you, can play games, and can make witty comments.

Similar to the Amazon Echo, the Google Home is automated by voice command, controlling music and podcasts, creating to-do lists, and much more. The device provides access to all of Google’s services whenever you need them. It is also capable of controlling lights within your home and the temperature within your rooms. One of Google’s key arguments against the Echo is that it provides an abundant amount of information from the outside world, including personal preferences and habits. The home device learns more about you through your activities planned on your calendar, Google Maps, and many others apps. One of their selling statements is that it actually is Google: a key source to what the world uses. The Google Home is also able to control your TV and manage your Netflix or YouTube (through Chromecast).

The similarities between the two devices are boundless, both controlling similar features around the home, having voice control, and controlling your favorite tunes without the touch of a button. The creators of both the Amazon Echo and Google Home saw a need to get off of screens and to start using more hands-free technology. Both creators saw their devices as a necessary step to get to this goal. Through the use of speaking, both devices will help prevent less screen time by telling you all you need to know about traffic, weather updates, upcoming activities in your calendar, and much more.

Both smart products are reasonably priced with the original Amazon Echo (not the smaller “dot” versions) priced at $180. On the other hand, the Google Home sells at the lower price of $130. They were designed to be easily transported from spot to spot around the home; the Echo has a sleek black body that is easily hidden in the house, while the Google Home is a pure white that takes on the similar shape of an air freshener.
The Amazon Echo has been on the top of the charts for the past two years, however, this upcoming device, with similar attributes, has caused the competition to look like the playing field has been evened. Google Home and the Echo are making their debuts bigger than ever, so be on the lookout for your personal assistant!