Google Home, the voice-operated connected device is now available in Australia - with an Aussie accent.
It will be available from 20 July starting at $199. It launches with in-built integration with Netflix and Stan, which means users can control the streaming platforms via voice. It is also partnering with Spotify.
Google Home is an artificial intelligence device, which means it will improve the service it delivers over time, and in coming months third party apps will begin rolling out. The launch opens the floodgates for brands to start developing ideas that work in a screenless, voice-activated, ecosystem.
Read: Voice marketing: What brands need to know
The Google Assistant device is activated with the command 'OK Google' and the development team has been working on making it compatible with the Australian accent so that it understands Australian slang including things like ‘brekkie’ and ‘servo’. There’s also a few hidden gems and funny responses for users to discover as they use it, according to Google.
It connects with Google services, people’s calendars and will playback search results, answer questions, translate phrases, answer maths calculations and offer definitions, nutritional information and weight conversions, and give the latest news and movie reviews all in response to voice commands.
News brands including Fox Sports, ABC News, The Australian, Huffington Post, TechCrunch and Sky News are part of the available news services.
It also connects with things like lights, music and more in the home, so you can turn music up or down or dim the lights via voice control.
Google is also rolling out its Wifi service so that homes using the device can rely on “seamless” internet connection. It uses what's called ‘mesh wifi’ to give coverage in hard to reach areas.
Google is also giving all new Home users 6 months of its ad-free platform YouTube Red for free.
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