I don't think that's completely true.
I believe the third party devices use Android Things but Google's own use another proprietory OS.
You can be forgiven for not knowing the difference because the user interface is close to identical and they often get feature updates within a few weeks of each other, Netflix compatibility being an obvious exception.
It's a good question though, especially for anyone who, like me, bought a load of Lenovo smart displays to enable technologically-challenged family members to make video calls during lockdown.
Another thing that Google has quietly killed off is the ability to make free phone calls from these devices in the UK.