Google model home features virtual assistant in all rooms, 'always listening' microphones, cameras

Google’s vision for hands-free, privacy-free living was unveiled Wednesday via open tours of a multimillion dollar model home in San Francisco. The house was “outfitted with every Google device and connected home gadget imaginable,” CNN Business reported.

What is this like?

“Google's house previews a future where almost every room has an always-listening microphone, a speaker, camera and a screen of some sort,” the report states. “(There was no bathroom demo on the tour, but it's safe to say they'll be there soon too.)”

The house also served as a demonstration for how Google envisions people “living, parenting and even sleeping surrounded by its products."

The showcase demonstrates the race between Google, Amazon and Apple to get homes loaded up with their virtual assistants. Although the so-called virtual assistants for these companies have different voices or “personalities,” they perform most of the same functions.

For example, appliances in “smart” homes are typically internet-connected and voice operated.

One of Google's features allows people to broadcast messages into every room. Instead of picking up the phone or sending a text message, families communicate through speakers in the home.

“Communication is constant and everywhere — between rooms and family members who aren't in the house,” the report states.

It wants to get children involved?

The tech giant also wants to get children involved by having its assistant read them bedtime stories or help them complete other tasks.

The Google Assistant can read your child a bedtime story, or it can read along with you while it plays music and sound effects in the background.

Parents can also set up a series of alarms to manage their kids’ study time, and how long they spend online, the report states. To wake up the kids, parents can turn up the lights or play music in their room.

“Upstairs in the master bedroom, adults can unwind by asking Google to put their phone on silent mode." the report states. "The next morning, an alarm will go off and trigger a routine, automatically starting a coffee maker near the bed and reciting the day's weather and headlines.”

All the while, cameras and microphones are standing by.

“The future Google is selling can seem unnecessary and sometimes pricey, but it could be incredibly convenient for a busy family. Unless the power goes out,” the report states. “Then they'd just have to sweep and parent on their own."