Google Home is a type of smart speaker developed by Google. It was released in the United States in November of 2016, and expanded to the global market over the subsequent two years.
Google Home speakers interface with the Google Assistant software, which enables users to listen to music, control viewing and playback of videos, and receive news and other media directly through the speakers. Users can control web-enabled (smart) appliances with only the sound of their voices. More than one speaker can be used in each room, integrating with each other to provide a seamless sound. As of April 2017, the device can distinguish up to six voices, providing individual settings ability for each. It has free hands-free calling ability in the United States and Canada, pro-active updates, audio-streaming through Bluetooth technology, and the ability to add reminders and calendar items.
The physical design of Google Home is cylindrical, with LED lights on it to show the current status. There are different colour options available for the cylinder itself, so it can be matched with home décor or personal preferences. As of 2017 and 2018, additional versions of the product – the Mini and the Max – enabled users to have a smaller, slightly limited version, or a larger version with a touch-screen display.
