First Amazon introduced the Amazon Echo followed by other variant devices running the company's Alexa home AI platform and then Google jumped on board with Google Home. At CES 2017 we are seeing other companies trying to get in on this action by producing hardware that serves as the primary physical device for users to interact with their chosen AI platform. The latest to join is NVIDIA which is preparing a new device called the NVIDIA SPOT that will serve as the junction for a Google Home environment.
NVIDIA already revealed the inclusion of Google's Assistant technology in the updated NVIDIA SHIELD TV device. They are planning to expand the ability of their hardware to function in a Google-centric environment. While the addition of Google Assistant to the SHIELD TV device is good for hands-free control when watching television, NVIDIA clearly wants to extend their reach to the rest of your home. That is where the NVIDIA SPOT comes in, acting as an interface between the physical and virtual worlds in the same manner that Google Home or Amazon Echo/Dot devices function.
NVIDIA does not reveal much in the way of details about the NVIDIA SPOT, although interested buyers can sign up for updates. In typical fashion for Google though, they are clearly enabling third-party vendors to incorporate the Google Assistant framework into their own hardware. Last year when Google first revealed the Assistant technology and then as it rolled out on Pixel phones, they indicated the plan was to make most of the platform available for manufacturers and developers. That is coming to pass based on the announcements we are seeing at CES 2017.
Do you think companies like NVIDIA or Lenovo with their Alexa powered Smart Assistant will be successful with products like the NVIDIA SPOT or will consumers likely opt for the originals? Be sure to stay with us for more coverage from CES 2017.
source: NVIDIA
