Google Mini captures top spot in connected speaker market, survey shows

GOOGLE Home Mini has vaulted to the top spot in the global market for connected speakers, edging out a rival device from Amazon, a new survey has showed.

The Strategy Analytics report for the second quarter of 2018 showed the smallest device from Google captured 20 per cent of the market with sales of 2.3 million.

That was slightly ahead of the Echo Dot, the similarly sized device from Amazon, with an 18 per cent market share.

Amazon retained its overall lead with a combined market share of 30 per cent for its Echo and Echo Dot, the research firm said, compared with 27 per cent for Google’s two speakers – in a market saturated with rivals.

Alibaba’s Tmall Genie sold in China was the fourth biggest seller in the survey with a seven percent market share, the report showed.

Apple’s HomePod was not among the top sellers but because of its high price tag, captured 16 per cent of the revenue in the market, according to Strategy Analytics.

The research firm said the market was rapidly evolving with more manufacturers entering.

“The number of smart speaker models available worldwide has grown significantly over the last twelve months as vendors look to capitalise on the explosive market growth,” said David Mercer, vice president at Strategy Analytics. — Relaxnews