When Google released its OnHUb router, it looked nearly identical to Amazon's Echo.
But it really was just a Wi-Fi router - a really good one at that - but it didn't come with support for voice commands like Alexa, the voice that powers and connects customers to Amazon's Echo.
Reports are coming in, however, that Google may indeed be well on its way to creating a competitor to Amazon's Echo. It makes sense, too.
A Google Now-powered Internet of Things device sitting in the living room or bedroom accessible with just one's voice sounds like an attractive product. Like Echo, this purported Google device could easily make use of Google's vast resources to provide information of all types - email, weather, traffic updates, etc.
With Google's other products, like Google Cast or Nest thermostats, playing music or adjusting the temperature in one's home could all be done with a simple voice command. Of course, saying "Okay Google" walking from the bedroom to the kitchen (with no smartphone in hand) would make a Google search for a breakfast recipe quite convenient.
But those are just the possibilities, as is the rumor suggesting that such a device may soon become a reality. In an interview the CEO of Nest (which Google bought back in 2014 for $3.2 billion), Tony Fadell had commented that tensions arose between his team and the Google team working on the Echo-competitor. Nest was eventually shut out.
That's about as much as anyone else knows, and if true, it would be quite unfortunate considering Nest's products that already have invaded the home such as the Nest thermostat, Nest Protect smoke/CO alarm, and the Nest Cam.
Oddly enough though, the Nest thermostat is soon set to work with Amazon's Echo.
But if there's one aspect that Google can certainly one-up Amazon's Echo, it's the company's ability to offer search over the Internet, Google-style. Google's vast collection of data on its users could also offer a more personalized experience.
We expect things to clear up come Google's annual I/O developer conference, which will take place in May.
