Google Reportedly Releasing Own Smart Display This Holiday Season

Lenovo is the first manufacturer to release a Smart Display that’s powered by Google Assistant and JBL is expected to release a similar device next month. Now a new report claims that Google is building its own smart display and it might launch sometime during the holiday season.

Google has an “aggressive plan” to take on the Amazon Echo Show by releasing its own screen-equipped smart speaker with a goal of shipping “3 million units” for its first batch, according to Nikkei. The report didn’t include any information on what the Google-made smart display will look like, but it did confirm that it will come with all of the features that are already found on the Lenovo Smart Display and the JBL Link View.

Google’s own Smart Display should be able to play YouTube videos and users will be able to use voice commands. Users should also expect that all of Google Assistant’s features will be available on the device, including controlling smart home devices and providing news and weather information.

Sources say that Google’s Smart Display might be called the Pixel Slate or the Pixel Screen, as pointed out by 9To5Google. The device is also rumored to feature a front-facing camera for video chats, two microphones and a screen size that’s 10 inches or even larger. The device is also said to have a built-in battery, which should allow users to have limited mobile experience. The inclusion of built-in battery, if true, would make it stand out from Lenovo and JBL’s devices since their Smart Displays need to be plugged in at all times.

No information on pricing has been given yet for Google’s screen-equipped smart speaker, but the Amazon Echo Show is selling for $230. Meanwhile, the Lenovo Smart Display sells for $199 for the 8-inch model and $249 for the 10-inch model. The JBL Link View, which will start shipping on Sept. 3, costs $250 and features an 8-inch screen and 10-watt stereo speakers.

LG also has its own device called the LG WK9 and it’s been available to pre-order since March for $299. The WK9 device comes with an 8-inch screen, built-in Chromecast support and Bluetooth. Unfortunately, the LG device hasn’t been given a release date yet.

Amazon is still leading the smart speaker race with its Echo devices. However, Google is already catching up. Strategy Analytics estimates that Google now has 27.6 percent of the smart speaker market, while Amazon has 41 percent. Releasing Smart Displays would boost Google’s growth in the smart speaker market.