In short: Google is preparing to launch an Amazon Echo Show rival this fall, with its first screen-equipped smart speaker being set to be advertised as the Google Home Hub, according to a new leak revealing the gadget in its entirety. The images that can be seen below show a device with a 7-inch LCD panel and Google Assistant integration that’s likely running Android Things instead of a full-fledged version of the company’s omnipresent operating system. Alphabet’s subsidiary is planning to offer the Google Home Hub in White and Charcoal variants, as per the same source. Google Photos and Nest camera support will be part of the package as well, together with Wi-Fi connectivity. While its price tag remains unknown, the Google Home Hub is widely expected to be introduced at the company’s hardware event taking place on October 9.
Background: Google was first reported to be working on a smart speaker with a display panel last month when industry sources claimed the gadget in question is being manufactured in Taiwan. The Mountain View, California-based technology giant is said to have decided on an ambitious target for its first production batch, setting it at three million units. The figure implies Google may be looking to undercut $230 Echo Show, especially given how it’s likely to take it on during this year’s holiday season that will almost certainly see Amazon’s screen-equipped smart speaker treated to a heavy discount. In terms of functionality, the Google Home Hub is likely to be similar to the Lenovo Smart Display line which starts at $200.
Impact: The smart speaker segment is about to become much more competitive; between the Google Home Hub, Samsung Galaxy Home, Lenovo Smart Display, Amazon’s Echo Show, and Facebook’s extensively leaked gadget series, consumers should be met with plenty of choices while shopping for a new home automation hub this holiday season.
