CNET

Google is reportedly enlisting the home audio community's biggest names to help it take on Echo, Amazon's internet-connected speaker.

The web giant hopes third-party electronics makers will spread its platform by building devices that work like its Google Home virtual assistant, Variety reported Thursday. Google is expected to reveal more details about its always-listening virtual assistant at a media event in San Francisco on October 4.

To drum up interest in its plan, the company revealed its idea during a closed-door meeting attended by around 50 participants, including some of the biggest names in the home audio industry, Variety said.

Some of those companies in attendance have already worked with Google on Wi-Fi-enabled speakers powered by Google Cast, which allows Wi-Fi streaming from your phone, your network or from dozens of streaming apps. Google hopes to use those relationships to encourage its partners to build their own versions of Google Home.

Housing its "OK Google" digital voice assistant, the compact, plug-in speaker will be able to play music on speakers throughout the home, turn on lights, check the traffic and, of course, query Google search.

Google declined to comment.