Google Makes Secret Star Trek Like Communicator Device

Google once built a tiny gadget that looks like the communicator badge from Star Trek. The gadget was meant to let people talk to Google without pulling out a phone. Below we explain what the device was, how it worked, why Google made it, and what finally happened to it.

What is the Google Star Trek communicator?

The device was a small, circular badge that could be worn on the chest or on a lapel. It was inspired by the combadge that Captain Picard and his crew used in the TV show. Google called it a “prototype wearable communicator.” The badge had a tiny microphone and a Bluetooth chip inside.

According to a Time interview, Amit Singhal, Google’s senior vice‑president for search, described the badge as a way to test new voice‑search interactions. The badge was never sold to the public. It stayed in the lab as a test model.

How does the device work?

The badge works in three simple steps:

• Tap to wake: A light tap on the badge turns it on. This is similar to tapping a smartwatch to start a voice command.
• Speak your question: The built‑in microphone listens to your voice. You can ask anything you would normally ask Google, such as “What is the weather?” or “Set a reminder.”
• Send the request: The badge uses Bluetooth to send your voice to a paired smartphone. The phone runs Google Search or Google Assistant, processes the request, and sends the answer back.

The answer can be played through a tiny speaker on the badge, or it can be sent to earphones that are connected to the phone. This means you do not need to pull out a phone or a tablet to ask a question.

Why did Google create it?

Google wanted to explore new ways for people to use voice search. At the time, most users had to unlock a phone, open an app, and then speak. The badge could make the process faster.

In the interview, Singhal said, “I usually needed that stick. You just ask it anything and it works.” He meant that a small, hands‑free device could feel like a magic wand.

The badge also let Google test how well its voice‑recognition software works in noisy environments. By placing the microphone on the chest, the device could pick up a clear voice even if the user’s hand was covering their mouth.

Google’s broader goal was to shape the future of search. The company already had Google Now, a service that tries to show useful information before you ask for it. The badge was a step toward making that service even more seamless.

What happened to the prototype?

After the prototype was shown to the press in 2015, Google stopped work on it. An Ars Technica article from November 2015 reported that Google built the badge and then cancelled the project. The reason was not fully explained, but insiders said the device was hard to mass‑produce and the market was already moving toward smart speakers and earbuds.

Other tech giants – Apple, Amazon, Facebook, and Microsoft – were also working on similar voice‑first devices. In the end, Google chose to focus on products like the Google Home speaker and the Pixel Buds earphones, which also let users talk to Google without holding a phone.

Even though the badge never reached stores, it showed that Google was willing to try bold ideas. The prototype is still mentioned in articles like “This May Be Google’s Coolest Invention Ever” (Time, 2015) and in retrospectives about sci‑fi inspired tech.

How does the badge compare to other sci‑fi devices?

Many fans of Star Trek love the combadge because it looks simple but does many things. Real‑world devices that try to copy it include:

• Smartwatches: They sit on the wrist, have microphones, and can talk to assistants.
• Smart earbuds: They sit in the ear and can listen for a wake word.
• Smart rings: Small rings that can detect taps and send Bluetooth signals.

The Google badge was unique because it was meant to be worn on the chest, just like the original combadge. That placement gave it a distinct look, but it also made it harder to hide in everyday clothing.

FAQ

Did Google ever sell the Star Trek communicator?

No. The badge stayed as a prototype and was never released to consumers.

How was the badge powered?

The prototype used a small rechargeable battery, similar to the one in a smartwatch.

Can I still see the badge?

Images of the badge were published in 2015 articles. You can find them by searching for “Google Star Trek communicator prototype.”

Will Google make a similar device in the future?

Google now focuses on smart speakers, earbuds, and watches for voice interaction. A chest‑worn badge may still appear, but there is no official plan yet.

Conclusion

The Google Star Trek communicator was a bold experiment. It showed how a tiny badge could let you talk to Google without a phone. Although the project was cancelled, it helped Google learn more about voice search and wearable tech. Today, we see the same ideas in smart speakers and earbuds, proving that the future of voice is still being written.