Google Set to Announce Amazon Echo Rival, Codenamed 'Chirp' - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Google Set to Announce Amazon Echo Rival, Codenamed 'Chirp'

by

Google is working on a standalone hardware device that will integrate the company's search and voice assistant technology, reports Recode.

According to sources, the product is said to be similar to Google's smart home enabled OnHub wireless router and is set to compete against the likes of Amazon's Echo.

20150818-google-onhub-router.0

OnHub wireless router (Image: Google)

Google declined to comment on the rumor, but the project, said to be known internally as 'Chirp', is expected to be officially announced at next week's Google I/O developer conference, where voice search and intelligent personal assistance are to take center stage alongside the company's latest forays into virtual reality.

In 2014, Google acquired connected device company Nest, which reportedly had its own designs for an Echo competitor running Google's search technology, but scrapped the plans because of concerns over consumer privacy.

After launching the Echo over a year ago, Amazon announced in March two new additions to its lineup of voice-controlled smart hubs that house the company's personal assistant, Alexa.

Top Rated Comments

69Mustang Avatar
136 months ago
Doesn't like FUD to me.

Btw, I'm a moderator who volunteers my time, I'm not getting paid by MAcRumors and I have a right to my opinions ;)


Couple of things. I knew you to be a Mod, but you've changed your title to Staff Member. Yes, you do have a right to your opinions. I stated you know your original post to be both untrue and FUD. Your follow up post leads me to believe I was wrong in assuming you knew it was untrue. Apparently you don't. You said this:
Really, their whole business model is setup to sell user information to advertisers.
It's 100% untrue. The chart you provided? Yeah, it doesn't support what you said either. That chart shows Google's revenue is primarily ad generated. We all knew that. It does not show, nor is it an indicator of Google selling user information to advertisers. That's not me being pedantic. It just isn't true. Google does datamine. So does everyone else, including Apple. Google sells ad space to advertisers based on anonymized user data. Advertisers have no idea who you are or why their ad is placed on your screen.

If Google sold user information, they would be out of business. Why would Google sell their most valuable commodity? If advertisers have your information, they don't need Google.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
fitshaced Avatar
136 months ago
You: Hey Chirp, please provide all my personal details to every retail company on the planet.

Chirp: I'm sorry I didn't quite catch that.

You: I said plea-

Chirp: Just kidding. Spam imminent.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Madmic23 Avatar
136 months ago
I didn't change my title, xenforo did.


that's why Google scans emails - to sell adds - that doesn't seem like FUD and 100% untrue to me.
Yes, Google has a program that auto scans your emails looking for keywords. But they don't have some guy in a room reading it, calling up advertisers saying "Hey, guess what maflynn ('https://forums.macrumors.com/members/maflynn.311274/') just wrote in an email? I'll tell you for $20!"

It's data mining to put relevant ads in front of you. No one sees your information except for you.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
136 months ago
Doesn't like FUD to me.

Btw, I'm a moderator who volunteers my time, I'm not getting paid by MAcRumors and I have a right to my opinions ;)


I don't know why you posted that chart. It doesn't give any proof to your claim that " their whole business model is setup to sell user information to advertisers"

I don't think anyone is arguing that Google's main business model is advertising.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
69Mustang Avatar
136 months ago
I have an Amazon Echo, and trust Amazon far more than I ever will Google and Google related device. Google does not deny they complete data it's in there Terms and Policy.
You obviously haven't read Amazon's Privacy Policy. It reads very similarly to Google's and Apples. Here it is:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=footer_privacy?ie=UTF8&nodeId=468496&ascsubtag=2769456|google.com|||36,29,12|1|#GUID-A2C397AB-68FE-4592-B4A2-7550D73EEFD2__SECTION_87C837F9CCD84769B4AE2BEB14AF4F01

To be clear, there's nothing wrong with the privacy policy from any of those companies. It's quite interesting to me that so many people think they are completely different. It's almost as if they were all written from the same boiler plate document and just changed slightly to suit each company.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
136 months ago
I didn't change my title, xenforo did.


that's why Google scans emails - to sell adds - that doesn't seem like FUD and 100% untrue to me.
Not just to sell ads (note ADS not personal information) - but also to speed searches up on your email. I know that when I search within my gmail for something - it pops up instantly. I can't say the same for Apple Mail.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

apple welcome home event

Apple Product Launch Announced for October 13: 'Welcome Home'

Thursday October 8, 2026 9:04 am PDT by
Apple today announced an upcoming product launch that will take place on Tuesday, October 13. We are expecting Apple's announcement to focus on new smart home products, including the long-rumored smart home hub, a new Apple TV 4K, and a refreshed HomePod mini. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. The home hub is an all-new device that's like a cross between an iPad and...
MacBook Pro Ultra Feature 1

Apple to Launch Touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro and OLED iPad mini on October 27

Thursday October 8, 2026 1:31 pm PDT by
Apple will introduce new OLED touchscreen MacBook Pro models and an OLED iPad mini "on or around" Tuesday, October 27, reports Bloomberg. The launch will also include an M6 14-inch MacBook Pro and an M6 iMac. The October 27 follows Apple's October 13 debut of a new smart home hub, a revamped Apple TV 4K, and a refreshed HomePod mini. Earlier this month, MacRumors reported that Apple would do ...
October 13 Welcome Home Event Image

Apple's October 13 Launch: What's Coming

Thursday October 8, 2026 3:59 pm PDT by
Apple is planning to introduce new products on Tuesday, October 13, Apple marketing chief Greg Joswiak announced today. It won't be a traditional Apple event, but Apple has invited some members of the media to New York City to get some hands-on time with whatever's introduced. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Those of us not invited to the New York Experience are...
Latest Stories
Rumor: Apple to Announce New Partnership With ADT
Rumor: Apple to Announce New Partnership With ADT
10 hours ago
AirPods 5 vs. AirPods 5 With Wireless Charging Case Buyer's Guide
AirPods 5 vs. AirPods 5 With Wireless Charging Case Buyer's Guide
22 hours ago
Accessory Deals This Weekend: Save on TVs, Headphones, and Smart Home Gear
Accessory Deals This Weekend: Save on TVs, Headphones, and Smart Home Gear
23 hours ago
Apple's All-New Home Hub Will Be Revealed October 13: What to Expect
Apple's All-New Home Hub Will Be Revealed October 13: What to Expect
23 hours ago
Apple Announcing HomePod Mini 2 Next Week With These New Features
Apple Announcing HomePod Mini 2 Next Week With These New Features
23 hours ago
A New Apple TV 4K is Finally Coming on Tuesday
A New Apple TV 4K is Finally Coming on Tuesday
23 hours ago
Top Stories: Apple's 'Welcome Home' Launch on October 13 and More
Top Stories: Apple's 'Welcome Home' Launch on October 13 and More
1 day ago
Apple Stores Will Add Your Name to iPhone Duo's Startup Screen
Apple Stores Will Add Your Name to iPhone Duo's Startup Screen
2 days ago
SpaceX Inches Closer to Becoming a U.S. Carrier
SpaceX Inches Closer to Becoming a U.S. Carrier
2 days ago
Apple Potentially Behind 'HomeView' Trademark Filed Alongside 'homeOS' Last Year
Apple Potentially Behind 'HomeView' Trademark Filed Alongside 'homeOS' Last Year
2 days ago
Mark Your Calendar: Six Important Apple Dates Coming Up This Month
Mark Your Calendar: Six Important Apple Dates Coming Up This Month
2 days ago
MacRumors Giveaway: Win an Apple Watch Series 12 and a Nylon Band From Southern Straps
MacRumors Giveaway: Win an Apple Watch Series 12 and a Nylon Band From Southern Straps
2 days ago
First Apple TV 4K Now 'Vintage' Ahead of New Model Coming on Tuesday
First Apple TV 4K Now 'Vintage' Ahead of New Model Coming on Tuesday
2 days ago
The MacRumors Show: Apple's Smart Home Products Are Coming
The MacRumors Show: Apple's Smart Home Products Are Coming
2 days ago
Apple Shares Fall After News of iPhone 18 Pro Order Cuts
Apple Shares Fall After News of iPhone 18 Pro Order Cuts
2 days ago
Leak Details iPhone Features for Apple's LG Home Accessories
Leak Details iPhone Features for Apple's LG Home Accessories
2 days ago
Prime Day Leftover Deals: AirPods Max 2 for $429, Mac Mini for $779.99, and More
Prime Day Leftover Deals: AirPods Max 2 for $429, Mac Mini for $779.99, and More
2 days ago
Every M5 MacBook Air Now $200 Off on Amazon
Every M5 MacBook Air Now $200 Off on Amazon
2 days ago
Mac Shipments Fall, But Apple Still Gains Ground in Shrinking Market
Mac Shipments Fall, But Apple Still Gains Ground in Shrinking Market
2 days ago
Apple Reportedly Cuts iPhone 18 Pro Orders After Price Hike Dampens Demand
Apple Reportedly Cuts iPhone 18 Pro Orders After Price Hike Dampens Demand
2 days ago
Apple Signs Hiring and Licensing Deal With AI Podcast Startup Huxe
Apple Signs Hiring and Licensing Deal With AI Podcast Startup Huxe
2 days ago
Apple's October 13 Launch: What's Coming
Apple's October 13 Launch: What's Coming
3 days ago
Anthropic Says Users Can't Be Needlessly Cruel to Claude
Anthropic Says Users Can't Be Needlessly Cruel to Claude
3 days ago
Apple to Launch Touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro and OLED iPad mini on October 27
Apple to Launch Touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro and OLED iPad mini on October 27
3 days ago
Apple Now Pushing iPhone Users Still on iOS 26 to Install iOS 27
Apple Now Pushing iPhone Users Still on iOS 26 to Install iOS 27
3 days ago
Apple Has a New M&A Chief as Ternus Reshuffles Leadership
Apple Has a New M&A Chief as Ternus Reshuffles Leadership
3 days ago
Prepare for Apple's New Home Hub With These HomeKit Accessory Deals
Prepare for Apple's New Home Hub With These HomeKit Accessory Deals
3 days ago
Tim Cook Says He's 'Not Meddling' With Apple's New CEO John Ternus
Tim Cook Says He's 'Not Meddling' With Apple's New CEO John Ternus
3 days ago
Tim Cook Explains Why He Stepped Down as Apple CEO Before iPhone Duo Launch
Tim Cook Explains Why He Stepped Down as Apple CEO Before iPhone Duo Launch
3 days ago
Apple Product Launch Announced for October 13: 'Welcome Home'
Apple Product Launch Announced for October 13: 'Welcome Home'
3 days ago