The Google Ecosystem has made its way to numerous households and technological fields. However, the vast numbers of software, devices, and hardware systems can sometimes need to be clarified for users.
One of the most common questions I receive is the difference between Google Home and Assistant. Are they the same thing? If you are wondering the same question, you have come to the right place.
I will discuss the features of them in detail and bring you a fair answer.
Table of Contents
The Difference Between Google Home And Google Assistant
Google Home and Assistant can combine excellently with each other to enhance their efficiency and extend their applications. For this reason, many users can get confused between these two notions.
Google Home is a physical device, and Google Assistant is a digital asset that only exists on devices like smartphones or computers. You can think of Google Assistant as a type of software that assists users.
You can touch, hold, and interact with Google Home (a smart speaker) physically.
Meanwhile, users can only interact with Google Assistant via voice commands and texts since it’s virtual software.
To summarize this comparison, Google Home belongs to the hardware field, while Google Assistant is a type of software. Therefore, they serve different purposes and possess unique utilities.
Yet, Google Assistant is an indispensable part of Google Home but not vice versa. The Assistant can operate individually without Google Home on a digital device.
Before dwelling on the in-depth comparisons, let’s take a brief look at this table.
Comparison Table
| Features | Google Home | Google Assistant |
| Definition | A physical smart speaker that controls the other devices in the house. | A virtual Assistant exists on digital devices like phones or computers. |
| Function | Helps users connect and control other devices via phone or voice commands. | Perform simple tasks and look for information based on users’ voices. |
| Release Date | November 2016 | December 2016 |
| Compatibility | It needs Google Assistant to operateIt can connect and control smart devices that are compatible with Google Home. | It can operate without Google Home.It is compatible with operating systems like WearOS, IOS, and Android. |
| The Number Of Users | Around 52 million users globally | Around 500 million users globally |
| Generations | It has many separate generations following its release. | It is a unique software updated by Google over time. |
The Core Differences
As mentioned above, the core differences between Google Home and Assistant lie in their basis. While Google Home refers to a chain of smart home speakers, Google Assistant is a voice-based Assistant on digital devices.
Google Home serves to control and exchange information with the other smart devices around your house. Meanwhile, Google Assistant helps users look for information and perform simple tasks on the device using voice commands.
These two notions also feature different release dates. While Google Home was introduced in November 2016, the release date of Assistant was May 2016.
Google Home (smart speakers) can connect to other devices at home, which acts as a bridge for users to control them. On the other hand, Google Assistant works with operating systems like Android, IOS, MacOS, and even WearOS.
Regarding popularity, Google Assistant saw over 500 million users around the world, while the number for the Google Home system is only 50 million.
Last but not least, Google has developed many generations following the invention of Google Home with more advanced features. Meanwhile, Google Assistant is unique and features regular updates to itself.
Can Google Home And Assistant Operate Individually?
Google Assistant is an integrated part of the Google Home ecosystem, which helps the speaker receive and perform tasks following users’ commands.
For example, you can say: “Hey, Google, turn off the light.” In this case, Google is the name of Google Assistant, which interprets your command and makes the smart lighting in your house turn off.
Without Google Assistant, Google Home speakers cannot interpret and operate based on your commands. Therefore, it is a critical part of the Google Home ecosystem, but not vice versa.
The application of Google Assistant is not limited to smart speakers. You can access the Assistant on your phones, tablets, computers, or even smartwatches.
What Can You Do With Google Home?
Google Home is an AI-powered smart speaker supported by Google Assistant. It can connect with the other devices in the house via an Internet connection and help you control them.
You can command the speaker to play podcasts or music, set reminders and times, make hand-free calls, or get information for random questions.
In addition, Google Home also interacts with various services, such as Youtube, Amazon Podcast, and Spotify. You can use it to access Google Apps like Google Maps and Calendar.
What Can You Do With Google Assistant?
Google Assistant can perform basically everything Google Home can do. To put it simply, the difference between them lies in the way you interact with them.
For example, you can command Google Assistant to play music and podcasts, but it can come from any device like a phone or tablet.
As long as that device is compatible with Google Assistant, it can serve the same function as a Google Home. In addition, the Assistant can perform tasks, like sending texts, making calls, and controlling other apps via voice commands.
FAQs
This section brings you more interesting information about Google Assistant and Google Home speakers. Keep reading to learn more!
What Is Google Home Called Now?
Google Home is the original name of this smart speaker, which later turns into Google Nest. This name indicates a series of smart home speakers developed and produced by Google.
Is Google Home A Home Assistant?
Google Home helps you control and exchange information with the other smart devices in your house, which is compatible with Google Assistant. Therefore, Google Home and Assistant are different.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Google Assistant?
The most apparent advantage of Google Assistant is that it requires an Internet connection to operate. In addition, it may increase the battery usage of your mobile device, plus the increased data consumption.
Do I Need Google Assistant For Google Home?
Google Assistant is the voice integrated inside Google Home. These two notions can combine very well with each other, but it is optional. Google Assistant is not limited to Google Home and vice versa.
Is Google Or Google Assistant Better?
Google Assistant allows users to search for information in a text-like and accessible format. Though it’s more friendly and convenient, Google Assistant doesn’t provide as extensive and detailed information as Google.
Final Thoughts
In summary, Google Home and Assistant are not similar notions though they both belong to Google. While Google Home refers to a series of smart speakers, Assistant is a non-physical digital Assistant.
Google Home is a physical device that helps users control the other intelligent gadgets in their houses. It can interact and combine with Google Assistant to enhance your experience, but the application is not limited.
Therefore, Google Assistant can operate separately and serve different purposes from Google Home. I hope you are satisfied with the answer provided in this post. Thank you for reading!