Google Home and Amazon Echo are staunch rivals that compete for a place in your home.
Google Home is powered by the Google Assistant while the Echo has Amazon’s Alexa virtual helper on call.
Both devices receive regular updates from both firms that add new functionality to the user experience.
Amazon recently started rolling out a Whisper Mode to its Echo line of products in the US that allows owners to speak to Alexa in a silent tone.
In response, the helper will whisper her response back.
Detailing the feature, Amazon said: “Gone are the days of waking up your spouse or partner to ask Alexa for the weather in the morning or turn your alarm off.
“Whisper Mode is a new feature that allows you to whisper to Alexa, and she will whisper her response back to you.”
But now it appears Google Home has also been granted a new tool that will surely be incredibly handy for owners.
At its hardware keynote on October 9, Google product manager, Mark Spates, detailed a new mode set to arrive for the firm’s line of smart home products called “downtime”.
The new mode limits the Google Assistant’s functionality to important tasks such as alarms, but prevents the helper from being interacted with otherwise.
Explaining the feature, Spates stated: “So we all know technology can make our lives easier and more fun. But sometimes it is really hard to disconnect and enjoy time with friends and family.
“Google Home Hub can help with that, just put Hub into downtime mode and it won’t interact with anyone in the house except for those critical things like alarms.
“It’s a simple step but it makes a huge difference.
“We’re also introducing a set of tools to provide parents with a little bit of peace of mind.
“With filters you can ensure that everyone in the home is enjoying family friendly content.”
And now it appears such functionality is starting to roll-out on Google Home devices.
A user on Reddit noted his Google Home application had been updated with a new “Digital Wellbeing” feature that included the mentioned content filters and downtime mode.
Although it appears the new settings are only registering for a limited number of users at this time, it will surely not be long before it is available to all Google Home owners.
While the new feature will surely make Google’s smart home products more appealing, Amazon is also looking to tempt customers into picking up its Echo line of products with its Autumn sale.
Amazon products receiving discounts are the following:
• Amazon Echo Dot (second-generation) – £34.99, down from £49.99
• Amazon Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote (first-generation) – £34.99, down from £39.99
• Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote (first-generation) and Echo Dot (second-generation) bundle – £69.98, down from £89.98
• Fire HD 8 Tablet – £59.99, down from £79.99
• Amazon Echo Spot – £99.99, down from £119.99
• Amazon Echo (second-generation) – £69.99, down form £89.99
• Fire 7 Tablet – £39.99, down from £49.99
• Fire HD 10 Tablet – £119.99, down from £149.99