BEHOLD: Google's Amazon Echo competitor

Google just announced Google Home, the company's voice assistant device - a speaker-shaped device designed to take on the increasingly popular Amazon Echo.

On stage at Google I/O, Google CEO Sundar Pichai credited Amazon with building excitement for the idea of a home gadget that can answer your questions.

Here's our first look at Google Home:

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Google Home

On stage at Google I/O, the company promised that it's put a lot of thought into the hardware. It promises that you'll be able to customize that base-plate to match your home's color scheme and decor.

It can play music as a Wi-Fi speaker, as well as answer your questions. Under the hood, it's powered by Google's just announced Google Assistant, a personal digital assistant evolved from the existing OK Google technology.

It will also integrate with the smash-hit Google Chromecast and other Google Cast-compatible devices, so you can control video and other speakers with your voice. It will also integrate with Nest smart thermostats and other connected gadgets.