According to the latest Q2 figures in the smart speaker category, Google has officially lost its #2 spot in the global market, falling to #3. Taking over that #2 spot behind Amazon is Baidu, a relative newcomer to the category.
In terms of figures, Google’s Q2 is listed at 4.3 million shipments, with Baidu coming in just over that at 4.5 million shipments. Amazon remains strong at 6.6 million smart speaker shipments. The crazy number is Baidu’s annual growth percentage, listed at 3700%. That’s insane growth. For Google, it saw -19.8%. That’s the opposite of growth.
According to Jason Low, senior analyst for Canalys, “Google urgently requires a revamped non-display smart speaker to rekindle consumer interest, as well as a robust marketing strategy to build its Nest branding outside of the US.”
It’s funny that is mentioned, since reports of an upcoming Nest Mini device have been circulating since last week. Good timing, Google.