Google Home smart speakers most probably will be Flipkart-exclusive
What's the story
Google is launching its Google Home and Google Home Mini smart speakers in India on April 10 and the product might initially be Flipkart-exclusive. In a tweet, Google India has asked users to register on the Flipkart app to know more about the upcoming launch. Further, Flipkart has put up a dedicated landing page for the launch, something it usually does for exclusive partnerships.
Twitter Post
#MakeGoogleDoIt
Listen to your favourite tracks without lifting a finger. Just #MakeGoogleDoIt, at home. Register on the Flipkart App to know more. pic.twitter.com/txGiMUj8Ok
— Google India (@GoogleIndia) April 3, 2018
Product Details
Google Home can play music, answer questions
The voice-enabled smart speakers are powered by the Google Assistant and can perform tasks like setting up reminders, playing music and controlling smart home appliances on voice commands. Apart from playing music, which is considered to be a speaker's primary function, it can answer Google Search queries and help manage tasks around your house. The Google Home has interchangeable bases with several color options.
India-focused
Google Home apparently gets Gaana, Saavn integration
Further, according to a screenshot by a Reddit user, Google has apparently added support for popular Indian music streaming apps Gaana and Saavn on the smart speakers. This means that users will be able to link their Saavn and Gaana accounts with Google Home for streaming music. This will come in addition to the default Google Play Music integration.
Information
Google Assistant to get support for Indian English
Lastly, Google is reportedly planning to add support for Indian English to Google Assistant to aid Google Home's India launch. Recently, the Google Assistant became officially available in Hindi, complete with conversational support in the language.
Background
Google Home will face competition by Amazon's Echo speakers
Google Home was first launched in the US in 2016 for Rs. 8,500 and the Google Home Mini was launched last year for Rs. 3,200. There is no information on the speakers' India pricing as of now. Last year, Amazon also launched its own Alexa-enabled Echo, Echo Dot, and Echo Plus smart speakers in India. Notably, Amazon's Echo speakers also offer Saavn integration.