Google has announced that its voice-controlled smart speaker will launch in the UK on 6 April and yes, there'll even be 'a few British treats' hidden in the device.

Google Home, which launched in the US in November 2016, is part of a recent trend to make smart assistants readily available in homes. In a blog published on Tuesday, the tech giant revealed it will launch alongside its own wi-fi service 'that works with your modem and internet provider to bring you reliable coverage.'

Like its rival Amazon Echo, Google's speaker can do everything from helping users plan their day by syncing with their calendars, to playing music and answering questions. It can also offer weather, news and traffic updates and it can be used to control other smart home products like light bulbs, thermostats and TVs.

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'Google Home is a hands-free smart speaker powered by the Google Assistant that does just that,' Suveer Kothari, director of product planning at Google, explains in the blog post. 'Whether you want to get answers from Google, turn up the music, sort out some everyday tasks or control compatible smart devices in your home, all you have to do is say "Ok Google."'

It works by using 'a combination of our natural language processing, machine learning and voice-recognition expertise' which allows users to communicate with the assistant. As Wired explains, the speaker features LED lights which are turned on when the device is listening to the user. There's also a mute button to stop the device from listening for the "OK" response and yes, if it ever feels a little too controlling, Google Home can also be switched off.

"If you'd rather keep things to yourself, you can turn off personal results any time in the Google Home app with a single swipe," Kothari has assured potential customers. "And of course, we've hidden a few British treats for you to discover. Just try asking Google Home about its hobbies or favourite foods," he adds.

Google Home will be available from 6 April, and will cost £129. Google Wi-fi will be made available at the same time and will also cost £129.

From: Esquire UK