Google is reportedly set to announce its standalone voice-activated home device at today’s Google I/O keynote, according to a new report in the New York Times.

Last week, we heard about Google’s ambitions to create a portable speaker called the Chirp that competes with the Amazon Echo, but the timetable for launch was unclear. However, the New York Times article reports the device will be called Google Home and will launch in the fall, but be announced today.

The new device will almost surely be built on the Google Now backbone that runs the voice-activated assistant features on Android devices. However, it will likely feature many new integrations with outside apps.

One reason Google may be announcing the feature today is to get developers building apps and integrations for the platform before it debuts later this year. Since Google I/O is a developer conference (it’s where Google Glass was unveiled), this is a prime time to get developers interested in working with new products.

A Google device would be the first major competitor to Amazon’s Alexa service since it was introduced less than two years ago. While Apple, Microsoft and Google all have voice-activated assistants, they’re currently restricted to mobile devices. The power of a stationary, always on device could prove revolutionary in coming years as more smart sensors and devices hit the market.

GeekWire

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