Google echoes Amazon with new AI-based lineup

Google on Wednesday revealed new products and software that uses machine learning to help users better perform simple tasks, access information and entertainment, and communicate with others. Among the specific items unveiled at the company's 10th annual conference for developers was an updated Android system, a new Watch and a virtual-reality platform. Google plans to start selling a device called Home that will answer users' questions and complete tasks for them. At the start of the conference, Chief Executive Sundar Pichai revealed new products and services that use smarter software to make decisions rather than follow instructions, part of a major push into artificial intelligence that he said would define the tech giant over the next decade. Google, a unit of Alphabet Inc. GOOG, 2.02% GOOGL, 1.95%, said it would soon start selling a device called Home that will answer users' questions and complete tasks for them, like scheduling appointments, playing music and sending emails.