After several years of competition between Apple's Siri and Google Assistant, virtual assistance technology evolved to the next level in 2016. Virtual assistants moved beyond smartphones and into households with the Amazon Echo and Google Home. Both of these gadgets are intended to help you access information from the Internet when you are in the comfort of your home, but they are not identical products.
Shared Features
As virtual assistants, Amazon Echo and Google Home were destined to share some features. Both of the products respond to voice commands, and they are always listening for instructions. The virtual assistants can also access numerous apps, including Uber, Spotify, Pandora, and YouTube. To help people build the perfect smart home, the products pair nicely with devices like Philips Hue, Nest, and SmartThings.
Both of these virtual assistants may also help users plan and perform tasks. After hearing the activation words of 'Echo' or 'Okay, Google', the virtual assistants will prepare to listen to help you add an event to a calendar, set a reminder, or check a flight status.
Differences
While Amazon Echo and Google Home are similar virtual assistance products on the surface, their capabilities vastly differ.
Amazon Echo
The Amazon Echo is linked to the user's online Amazon account, so the user has access to many exclusive resources. For example, Echo users can order groceries and other products from Amazon Pantry with a simple voice command. Echo users may also request tracking updates for en route packages. Since Google does not currently have an online store that delivers books and physical goods, Home does not offer these features.
Amazon Echo truly shines with its 'skills' feature. Through 'skills', you can command Echo to order a meal to be delivered to your residence. Echo can even act as your trainer through the '7-Minute Workout' skill. New skills are regularly added to Echo's program.
Google Home
Unlike Amazon Echo, Google Home can be customized to match the style of your home. Regardless of whether you are aiming for a modern or rustic appearance, Google Home will not be an eyesore in your home. To ensure that all members of the family can hear Home's responses to your questions and commands, the virtual assistant can be connected to a stereo system. This requires Chromecast. Chromecast may also be paired be used to sync Google Home with an unlimited number of tablets, computers, and smartphones.
While Amazon Echo and Google Home have similarities and differences, your preference ultimately depends on your needs. If you appreciate compatibility with your devices, Google Home may be the better option. On the other hand, the skills of Amazon Echo can be quite appealing to people in search of a sophisticated virtual assistant. The choice is yours to make.