Review: Google's Echo Competitor Is a Promising First Try

The good: Customizable design, Google Assistant helpful for answering questions and translations, Offers concise and clear answers The bad: Limited smart home compatibility, Doesn't support many apps yet Who should buy: Those who really care about having Google's search engine at the tip of their tongue and want little else. For about as long as I remember using the Internet, Google has been my encyclopedia, study aide, tour guide, news curator, and more. Given that Google processes more than two trillion searches per year, it's likely safe to say many Internet users around the world have a similar relationship with the search engine. Google is now looking to deepen our collective reliance on its search prowess by taking up residence in our living rooms, nightstands, and kitchens. Google Home, an Internet-connected speaker that can answer questions, play games and music, and control your other smart devices begins shipping Nov. 4.