Google Assistant To Be Integrated Into A Bevy Of Devices

Alphabet’s Google, aiming to expand the use of its voice-activated assistant and close the gap on Amazon’s Alexa, is gearing up to put its Google Assistant on a variety of third-party devices, such as the LG Roomba and Anker Zolo Mojo.

According to a news report in Reuters, Google said at the IFA conference that its Google Assistant could end up on partners’ speakers, appliances and cameras, among other things. The move comes as devices powered by voice-activated digital assistants are taking off, thanks to the popularity of Amazon’s Echo speaker powered by Alexa. The more devices Google’s Assistant ends up on, the better for the company’s data collection efforts, noted Reuters.

The report noted that one device that will get Assistant is Anker Zolo Mojo, which is a small speaker that is similar to Google Home. That is slated to go on sale in October, noted the report. The Panasonic GA10 and the TicHome Mini smart speakers will also include Google Assistant’s voice command capabilities, reported Reuters.

As part of its effort to have its voice-activated assistant on a bevy of devices, Google is also integrating it into LG’s line of home appliances, such as the LG Roomba, which will enable consumers to check on their laundry or dishes that are being washed remotely via voice commands. By adding it to appliances and other devices, Google is drawing a line in the sand and stepping up the war for dominance in this new area of technology.

Google isn’t alone. In addition, Amazon, Microsoft, Alibaba and Samsung also have or are working on voice-activated smart speakers. Meanwhile, in November Apple is gearing up to launch the HomePod speaker, which will be both a high-end speaker as well as a voice-activated device powered by Siri.

With increasing concerns that Apple’s Siri-powered HomePod will steal the thunder with its new device, technology companies are starting to enhance their own offerings ahead of the roll out.