Google has been adding a number of functions to Google Home since they released the device late last year, and according to a new report the ability to make and receive VOIP calls will also be added later this year.
According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, Google is looking to add the functionality though there is apparently hesitation to add the feature with thoughts that consumers may be hesitant to use the feature due to privacy concerns over making a call on a speaker phone.
Additional concerns over adding the feature includes regulatory issues, as well as using Home for making emergency services calls – specifically that calls via VOIP are not permitted to 911 are also cited as reasons for holding off on adding the feature.
According to the Wall Street Journal, competitor Amazon is also looking to add VOIP calls to their Alexa powered Echo line of smart speakers, but are facing similar concerns to Google.
There’s obviously some bugs to be worked out before either company adds in VOIP calls, but it could be an interesting feature if added before Google and Amazon launch their assistants here in Australia. Neither company has announced dates for the launch of Home or the Echo products, but we hope it won’t be too long.
