Google's Amazon Echo killer could be called 'Chirp' and launch this year

Watch out, Amazon. Google's coming for ya.

Google's response to the Echo, Amazon's voice-controlled Bluetooth speaker/smart home hub, will arrive sometime this year, according to Recode. The report corroborates an earlier report from The Information.

The device, which will reportedly look like Google's OnHub Wi-Fi router (an excellent one), is said to be codenamed "Chirp" and integrate Google's existing voice assistant (seen on Android and in Chrome) with its search. 

As a direct Amazon Echo rival, the device will likely play a major role in Google's smart home strategy.

The Echo has quickly ascended to become one the most beloved gadgets in recent years.

Recent reports have painted a bleak working environment at Nest Labs under CEO Tony Fadell. Google purchased the company for $3.2 billion in 2014 and pulled the Nest Thermostat, Nest Protect smoke/CO alarm and Nest Cam under its wing. The Nest team was reportedly interested in the building the Echo killer, but Google decided to go with its own product team.

Not much else is known about the device. Recode says Chirp won't probably won't launch at next week's Google I/O developer conference, but Google could show off its capabilities (in some form) on stage.

Since its quiet launch in 2014, the Echo has quickly ascended to become one of the most beloved gadgets in recent years. Its Alexa voice commands make controlling music and smart home gadgets frictionless. This year Amazon added two more products with Alexa, the Echo Dot and Tap. 

Third-party companies can also now bake Alexa into their own devices. The Triby, which launched late last month, is the first non-Echo device to incorporate Alexa.

BONUS: Amazon Echo, Echo Dot and Tap family:

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.