Google Assistant’s Remarkable Presence at CES 2018 Overshadows Alexa

The mantra at CES 2018 was “Hey Google,” as it made a appearance just everywhere you turn. Google Assistant made sure their presence was felt from overblown giant gumball machines, digital billboard ads, TVs, refrigerators and at more than 200 partner booths. Google’s booth was not found in the show floor. They built their own structure with multiple levels, huge screens, and even an elephant sized blue corkscrew slide.

 

Alexa Takes A Backseat

Last year, Amazon’s Alexa was the talk of the town, and Google Assistant was nowhere to be seen. Google caught on and made sure that Alexa isn’t the only assistant. They made their technology compatible with over 400 million electronic devices. There are still many devices unveiled at the show that are Alexa-enabled, many likely work with Google Assistant.

A consumer electronics ambush, Google Assistant’s CES 2018 presence was felt everywhere. Google developed ways to interact with the Assistant including Android phones, smartwatches, the Google Home Mini, Google Home Max to third-party smart speakers and even electric bike wheels. Google Assistant was integrated to every piece of hardware at the show.

This year’s CES made it clear that the dispute over voice assistants is still early; Google is keeping pace with Amazon although Google Assistant had a late start. Third parties are not choosing sides, which is excellent for the consumer because it means we have options. It’s also clear that Google and Amazon are headed the same route, which is to get their assistant integrated into every piece of hardware possible.

Although Amazon may possibly still have more devices enabled with Alexa, Google stole the show at CES 2018. The competition will only get tighter when Apple decides to enter the fray with their HomePod. BZB Express will be on top of it when that happens. Time will tell, but clearly, we’ll hear more about the Google Assistant this year.