Google Home is not even in the UK yet, but they’ve just upped the stakes by adding shopping to compete with Amazon’s Echo device. With Google Home you can now shop from retailers in your area that are available on Google Express.
Google Express offers fast delivery of household items, clothing, electronics and pantry staples such as bread and cereal. The service is available throughout the United States and depending on your area, delivery day availability and the retailer you’re shopping from, your order may arrive the same day you place your order, the following day, in 2 days or in 3 days.
Now Google have linked Google Express to Google Home, enabling voice controlled shopping. Until at least the 30th of April 2017 there will be no additional shipping or membership fees to worry about (Google Express delivery for non-members usually costs from $4.99 per store. Google Express membership costs $10 per month for monthly members and $95 per year for annual members).
To use shopping on Google Home, you will need a Google Payments account set up so that you can be billed. Retailers that you can order from include Costco, Whole Foods Market, Walgreens, PetSmart, Bed Bath & Beyond.
2 Responses
I don’t understand… I mean I’m very open to new technology and all that… but I just don’t get this or the Alexa thing.
For example, for the shopping element, how will it give you enough product information for you to make an informed decision when it’s just audio compared to looking at a screen? Paper towels… sure… who’s gonna create a single order for just paper towel? I’m not convinced at all that this is going to be next technological step.
I also doubt people will find it easier to articulate a question rather than grabbing their nearest screen.