Google plans to release its own, self-branded wireless router dubbed "Google Wi-Fi" that will retail for 129, according to Android Police. The Google Wi-Fi router is expected to be released at Google's October 4 event, according to the blog, which has correctly pegged past Google releases. The router is said to be designed like a small, white Amazon Echo Dot, and you can reportedly expand it with multiple access points . Android Police further reports that Google's take on Amazon Echo called Google Home, which was announced at Google I/O in May, will cost 129. Home works as a voice-activated speaker capable of connecting to devices around the home (such as the Nest thermostat) and completing basic tasks like playing music or searching Google.

The Amazon Echo can now control over 70 connected GE appliances. Amazon's Echo smart speaker may soon have some new competition -- from Siri. Apple is reportedly in the prototype stage of developing its answer to Amazon's popular device, according to a new report from Bloomberg. Similar to Echo, the device would allow users to use Siri to control their home through voice, issuing commands to control everything from lights to locks to thermostats, something referred to as home automation. Apple has dabbled in this space the past few years through its HomeKit program, allowing appliance manufacturers to create Internet-connected products that can be controlled from an iPhone, iPad or Apple TV through Siri.

We're less than two weeks away from Google's big fall event in San Francisco, and we already have a good idea of what to expect -- Pixel-branded smartphones, maybe Google Home, maybe a 4K-capable Chromecast. Android Police is offering up a new potential bit of hardware we haven't heard about yet: a new router called Google WiFi. If you're keeping track at home, yes, Google already does have its own line of branded routers. The OnHub line launched late last summer as a router that's simple to control with your smartphone and good looks that'll make you want to place it prominently in your home. However, both of the two OnHub-branded routers were built by third party manufacturers (TP-Link and Asus).

Pricing details for Google's upcoming smart speaker, the Amazon Echo-like Google Home, may have just been leaked and they suggest that Google's speaker will be a lot cheaper than Amazon's. SEE ALSO: Google sends invite for likely Pixel smartphone launch on Oct. 4 The speaker will sell for 129 when it goes on sale later this year, according to a report in Android Police. Google Home, which the company first introduced at its I/O developer conference in May, is a speaker that also has Google Assistant built in. It can also control smart home devices, complete searches and help you manage tasks like managing your grocery list. If true, the 129 price tag would make Google's offering extremely competitive with Amazon's Echo line. Amazon's flagship Echo sells for 179.99 while the portable Amazon Tap costs 129.99 The report didn't provide specifics around availability, just that the Google was set to unveil the price at its upcoming Pixel event in October.

Apple is reportedly developing its own device similar to the Amazon Echo, which is said to have left the research and development lab and is now being tested as a prototype. Similar to the Echo, this Siri-driven device will control appliances, locks, lights and other areas of the home via voice activation. Apple is reportedly building its own version of the Amazon Echo, which left the research and development lab and is now being tested as a prototype. Bloomberg reveals Apple's Siri-driven device has left the research and development lab and is now being tested as a prototype. This device will control appliances, locks, lights and other areas of the home via voice activation.

Amazon is sitting pretty on top of the smart home with its Alexa voice-controlled Echo devices, and Google will close in later this year with its own Home assistant device. While iOS 10's much-needed Home app for controlling all your HomeKit-compatible smart home devices is a step in the right direction, the company may need an Echo rival of its own. Apple is reportedly working on an Echo-like smart home device according to Bloomberg. This report corroborates a earlier one from The Information earlier this year that Apple was developing its own Echo-like product based around Siri. Siri could also have the ability to read aloud emails, send messages and tweets, etc. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who is notorious for accurately leaking new Apple products ahead of their announcements, says Apple has been working on the Echo competitor for over two years. The project is moving along and in the prototype phase, but could be potentially killed.

"Hey Siri, make me some coffee," may not be as far off as you think. Apple's smart home platform, similar to that of the Amazon Echo, has moved out of research and development and is in now in testing in the homes of Apple engineers, according to Bloomberg. Amazon Echo users can currently control appliances, lights, ask questions, set reminders, and purchase items through voice interaction with the speaker. Apple's platform would provide similar functionality through Siri, the company's personal assistant found across Apple devices, including the Mac with the recent release of macOS Sierra. Naturally, Apple's HomeKit platform and its expanding integration -- ranging from smart locks and thermostats to wireless security cameras -- would integrate nicely with such a platform.

The Amazon Echo can now control over 70 connected GE appliances. Amazon's Echo smart speaker may soon have some new competition -- from Siri. Apple is reportedly in the prototype stage of developing its answer to Amazon's popular device, according to a new report from Bloomberg. Similar to Echo, the device would allow users to use Siri to control their home through voice, issuing commands to control everything from lights to locks to thermostats, something referred to as home automation. Apple has dabbled in this space the past few years through its HomeKit program, allowing appliance manufacturers to create internet-connected products that can be controlled from an iPhone, iPad or Apple TV through Siri.

Machine learning may be neck and neck with "big data" in the race to being Hollywood's favorite catch-all term for technology as magic. Like big data, such outsider interest is driven by real successes of the approach. "We didn't know how to get a car to drive itself 10 years ago. Now we are very close," says Thibaut Lamadon, an assistant professor of economics at the University of Chicago. Netflix recommendations, AI assistants in our homes, and even our image searches for cat pictures have been invisibly improved by machine learning, a branch of computer science focused on giving computers the ability to recognize patterns and to learn and adapt to given contexts without being explicitly programmed for them.

Back in May, reports surfaced that Apple was working on a device that would rival Amazon's Echo speakers. In fact, those rumors indicated that Tim Cook & Co. had been working on the gadget before Amazon announced its speakers with the Alexa virtual assistant on board. Now Bloomberg reports that Apple's upcoming device is moving from the R&D phase and into proper testing. Similar to the Echo line, Apple's smart-home unit will pack in Siri and control connected appliances, lights and more via voice cues. Google announced its version back at I/O in May, a smart speaker called Home. The company scheduled an event for October 4th, so perhaps we'll hear more about the device in addition to the anticipated new Nexus phones.