Smartphone users, these days gain access to features on their gadgets through the simple use of voice commands. Leading tech companies – including Apple, Google and Amazon have successfully integrated their products with voice-activated technology. This technology is what makes it possible for consumers to command their digital devices to do what they please. Apple launched Siri back in 2011 with the introduction of iPhone 4S, which came running on iOS 5. Following year, Google launched Google Now with the introduction of Android 4.1 OS. Amazon unveiled its smart-home speaker Echo range in 2015 and forayed into this market with its Alexa.
Google reiterated Google Now with the debut of the Home smart-home speaker. The product came powered by the ever-famous Google Assistant.
Smart-home speakers
Amazon was the first to make this concept gain mainstream attention. Its proprietary product – Echo attracted many purchasers. The device was small and compact by nature. It took care of all the basic needs of the smart user. Google followed Amazon and launched its Home smart speaker in 2016. The speaker came powered by Google Assistant – which integrated many features that were missing in Amazon’s offering. At the October 4 event this year, the search-giant unveiled two new speakers – Home Max and Home Mini. Apple was rather late to join the bandwagon.
It only launched its iteration of a smart-home speaker (called HomePod) this year. The product carries a hefty price-tag and offers minimum features.
Audio quality
Google and Amazon do not facilitate the requirement of an audiophile with their respective products. The sound quality is limited. It is not meant to play loud music.
It can simply play news that is audible. However, users are provided with the option of attaching another speaker to Home/Echo. They will thus, be able to enhance the speaker’s quality through this. When it comes to Apple, they have taken special care of the sound quality through its HomePod. Google and Amazon have an upper hand over Apple.
Their smart-home speakers can play music throughout one’s home as they support a multi-room audio system. The same support has not yet been included in HomePod.
User friendliness
Buyers are looking for more and more number of functionalities in their AI-powered products. Google and Amazon provide added facilities as their products include multiple-user support. In other words, more than one user can command the smart-home speakers. The same is not applicable in HomePod’s case.
