Word has it Google is finding some new inspiration from Amazon.
TechCrunch, citing multiple unnamed sources, on Thursday reported that Google is "building a tabletop smart screen for video calling and more that will compete with Amazon's Echo Show."
The Echo Show, for the uninitiated, is a touch-screen version of Amazon's Echo device. Unveiled in May, the $229.99 device sports a 7-inch touch screen and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera for video calls.
Google's version, reportedly codenamed "Manhattan," will be around the same size as the Echo Show. It will let you make video calls, leverage Google Assistant, view Google Photos, and watch YouTube videos.
The bit about YouTube is interesting, considering that Google just this week pulled the video-sharing service from Echo Show devices, a move Amazon said is "disappointing and hurts both of our customers."
Meanwhile, the report notes that you'll also be able to use Google's Echo Show competitor "as a smart hub that can control Nest and other smart home devices."
TechCrunch's sources say Google was originally planning to launch the new device in mid-2018, but may push up that deadline because of Echo Show. It's possible the company will launch it before the end of 2017 (perhaps as part of its Oct. 4 Pixel event), but we'll just have to wait and see. There's no word yet as to how much it might cost.
Google also announced today that parents in the US can now try out its Family Link app without an invite. Unveiled in March, Family Link lets parents manage the apps their kids can use, keep an eye on their screen time, and set a device bedtime.