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Google Home and Google Wifi are both relatively new products, launching in the 4th quarter of 2016. Already decently priced devices, it seems a new take on the two may be in the works.
According to a report by Ars Techinca, Google is thinking about launching a combination device that would contain the abilities of both Google Wifi and Google Home.
While not official at this point, the marriage of the two is a pretty interesting one.
The Benefits
For many homes, having a Google Home in multiple rooms could be advantageous.
From multiple users and accounts to larger homes with multiple living spaces, there are plenty of scenarios where I could see having a second or third Google Home around could be a nice touch.
For our average-sized home, a single Google Wifi unit serves as plenty for both floors. However, a second Google Home upstairs would be nice as both a speaker and a smart assistant, especially with Vivint support coming soon. I’d love to adjust the thermostat, close the garage or set the alarm from the bedroom.
All that to say, there are many scenarios where another Google Home unit around the house would be useful.
Additionally, I’d assume our setup is similar to many others in that our Google Home and Google Wifi sit within 15 feet of one another. Combining them would just make sense.
Imagine being able to buy a few Google Home units instead of additional Gooogle Wifi units. Same mesh network, same great Wifi, but add in a digital assistant and a good speaker.
Seems like a win to me.
The Differentiator
Another thing to consider in all this is the spot it would put Google in with regard to smart home assistants. With Google Home and Alexa going nose-to-nose in every way, the ability for Google Home to also act as a Google Wifi unit as well would set it apart in a fantastic way.
With this battle just heating up, it would make sense for Google to use this to get a let up on the competition at this point.
What Price Makes Sense?
Here’s the question: what price would a combo version of these devices come in at?
It would make sense that Google would continue making standalone Wifi and Home devices if they moved forward on this, so the pricing would need to make sense for the consumer.
Not everyone will want multiple Google Home units around the house, after all.
With both costing $129, it would need to definitely be less than the cost of both: $258.
What would be attractive and not undermine sales of the individual units, though? I’m not sure.
I can say that I’d be interested if it were in the $175-$225 range. As a current customer, I clearly wouldn’t buy one, but if I were able to trade in what I have, that price point and feature set would be well worth the money.
What about you? Would you buy this hybrid device and, if so, what would you pay?
