Google reportedly developing rival to Apple Siri

Reports are circulating that Google is developing a voice assistant technology that would rival Apple's Siri.

Google is reported to be working on a task-oriented voice technology, dubbed Google Assistant, according to TechCrunch, which cited unnamed sources. Google Assistant is reportedly slated to be released in the fourth quarter of this year.

Google did not respond to a request for comment. Apple's Siri, which launched as part of iPhone 4S in October, was designed to be an intelligent personal assistant. Using natural language, Siri is set up to answer questions, set reminder alarms, offer directions and make calls. Rob Enderle, an analyst with the Enderle Group, said Google is smart to come out with a Siri alternative, but the company should take care to make it a strong piece of software.