Last year, Amazon launched its range of smart
speakers in India, including Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, and Echo Plus. Now, Google
is preparing to launch its own smart speakers in India — Google Home and Google
Home Mini.
Earlier, we reported that Google is expected to
launch its smart speakers in India this month, based on a communication shared
by Redington India with its retail partners. Now, the company has sent out
media invites for the launch event scheduled on 10th April.
In the latest development, the company has hinted
that the devices will be available for purchase exclusively through India’s
homegrown online marketplace Flipkart. Google has teased this through Twitter.
In a tweet, the company said — “Listen to your favourite tracks without lifting
a finger. Just #MakeGoogleDoIt, at home. Register on the Flipkart App to know
more.”
Other reports suggest that Google has also added
support for Indian-origin music streaming apps Gaana and Saavn, along with its
default Google Play Music. Furthermore, the Google Assistant is also set to
receive support for Indian English in the coming days. Recently, Hindi language
support was rolled out to Google’s virtual assistant.
The Google Home smart speaker was first introduced
by the search engine giant back in 2016 in the United States. With the help of
the company’s own Google Assistant, the smart speaker can perform various
actions like music playback, weather/ time information, setting alarms and
reminders, answering queries, and making lists among others.
There is currently no information regarding the
pricing and availability details of the speakers in India. We are speculating
the Google Home to be priced around Rs. 9,999 (approximately US$ 154) and the Home
Mini to cost around Rs. 4,499, which roughly converts to US$ 69.
Google’s competitor in this smart speakers market in
India, Amazon Echo is priced at Rs. 9,999 and the Echo Dot and Echo Plus are
priced at Rs. 4,499 and Rs 14,999 respectively.
