Google today debuted a pair of smart speakers this morning meant to complement the Google Home, the search giant’s initial entry to the voice-activated speaker market.
First up is the Google Home Mini a smaller version of its flagship smart speaker, powered by the search giant’s voice assistant. At $49, the price is virtually the same as the Home Mini’s closest competitor, Amazon’s Echo Dot. Preorders for the pint-sized speaker begin today, and the device will be released Oct. 19.
Google also announced Google Home Max, a larger, more powerful smart speaker similar to the Apple HomePod. The $399 Max speaker boasts 20 times the sound power compared to the Google Home. Google designed the larger speaker so that it can sit either horizontally or vertically, making it easier to fit in tight spots.
Google Home Max will be released in December in the U.S. and come to more countries next year.
Google is expected to announce several new hardware products today, including a new version of the Pixel smartphone, a new Chromebook and a new Daydream virtual reality headset.
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