Google's Chirp May Try to Drown Out Amazon's Echo.

Google is rumored to be developing a direct competitor to Amazon's Echo, code-named "Chirp." The device, which might resemble the OnHub router (pictured above), would incorporate its Google Now voice assistant technology.
Google likely will launch the product later this year, according to a Wednesday Recode article that debunked earlier reports suggesting Google would launch the new system at its annual I/O developer conference next week.

Google likely will preview the system at I/O, as well as reveal some of its emerging technology in the virtual reality market, Recode said.Echo's Success
 Echo has been one of Amazon's biggest product launches in years. It combines a speaker with the Alexa personal digital assistant -- voice recognition software that answers questions, sounds alerts, maintains lists, reorders Amazon Prime products, plays music, and controls compatible door locks, lights and other home automation systems, among other things.
Amazon has sold more than 3 million Echo units since the product's launch in late 2014, Consumer Intelligence Research Partners reported last month.
Consumers are using the Echo for many different purposes, according to CIRP's research, with more using it to stream music and answer questions than to control home utilities and security.
Google has substantial experience in integrating its hardware and software, noted Michael Levin, cofounder of CIRP.