Naturally, Google decided to jump in and bring its own to the party.
It also packs two speakers in a downward-firing configuration to project audio in all directions.
When Alexa cant answer a question on its own, it relies on Bing search results.
Update:A previous version of this article stated the Echo Dot could not play music.
This is technically untrue.
On this front, Amazon has a slight edge over Google Home.
Furthermore, Home doesnt make a sound when you start talking to it.
This really breaks the seamless flow that hubs like this are going for.
The hotword itself is also a slight problem for Google Home.
Its a slight improvement, but it still doesnt feel very natural.
However, the Home is actually a little disappointing in some areas.
Getting actual showtimes doesnt seem supported yet.
Since this setting exists, there doesnt seem to be a reason to block creating events.
Where the Home fails, the Echo usually fills in the gaps.
The Echo is also fantastic for anyone who regularly shops on Amazon.
you’re able to add items to your shopping cart with just your voice.
Its an impressively streamlined process that will only enable your already out-of-control shopping habit.
Google still has some advantages over the Echo.
you might ask forinformation about medications,get cocktail recipes, andtons of other things Google has cards for.
The most surprising for me came while playing Skyrim.
I asked where can I find ebony ingots in Skyrim not really expecting an answer.
For getting answers, Google is in another league.
Home can also understand the context of multiple questions.
For example if I ask How tall is Jeff Goldblum?
and then ask How old is he?
Google understands Im still talking about Jeff Goldblum.
However, that performance depends heavily on where you place it in a room.
For listening to music, the Echo edges out the Home again, but only slightly.
The difference is noticeable if youre looking for it, but negligible.
Both devices are excellent at picking up voice commands even when music is playing.
If I raised my voice even a little, both speakers picked up my commands flawlessly.
Thats a significant discount for a barely noticeable performance difference.
Depending on what you own, you may want to lean towards the Echo.
However, the Google Home does have one major advantage: it can control your Chromecast.
If somethings already playing, you might pause, stop, or skip with your voice.
Currently, the Echo cannot do this.
On the one hand, the Echo supports alotmore devices right now than Google Home.
On the other, theres a higher chance you own a Chromecast than any smart home gadget.
Until Google catches up, you should take a look at your homes specific needs.
you’re free to browse Alexas third-party apps (called Skills) on Amazonsnew store page here.
However, Alexas IFTTT channel has a dozen or so more specific triggers than Google has.
Google Assistants channel can only activate when you say certain phrases.
However, Googles channel also supports empty variables so you could create more complex commands.
Every area where the two products overlap, Google does it slightly better or cheaper.
However, the Echo has the benefit of experience.
