You might remember that Google recently decided to cut YouTube access on the Amazon Echo Show, Amazon’s first Alexa-powered device with a display. Who knows when this issue between the two companies will end, but it appears that Google has plans of ramping up the competition for the Echo Show. According to a new report, Google is building its own Echo Show rival.
Citing multiple sources, TechCrunch reports that Google is developing a “tabletop smart screen” for video calling. The new device is going to compete with the Amazon Echo Show.
The device has reportedly been codenamed internally as “Manhattan,” and is said to have the same 7 inch screen size as the Echo Show. The device is said to offer features like Google Assistant, Google Photos, YouTube, video calling, and more.
It will also double as a smart hub to control smart devices from the likes of Nest. It’s going to run a version of Android which will make it easier for developers to come up with apps for the new device.
The report says that Google was previously targeting a 2018 launch for this product but the internal pressure has increased since then and the company now wants it out in 2017. However, it’s still possible that Google’s Echo Show rival might not be launched before 2018.
It’s unclear at this point in time how much this device might cost when it’s finally launched.
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