JBL / HARMON'S NEW GOOGLE-ASSISTED PRODUCTS FOR THE HOME: A SMART SPEAKER WITH A VISUAL DISPLAY AND A NEW, GOOGLE-LINKED SOUNDBAR!

Newest member of JBLLINK series provides users with a voice-activated smart assistant they can see and hear; that’s right, I said “SEE”!

JBL Link View, a voice-controlled, smart display speaker with Google Assistant built-in is set to join the JBL LINKseries later this month—and as usual, Video & Audio Center will not only have it first, but our prices are also LOWER than Amazon and Best Buy, see stores for details.

JBL by HARMAN, in close collaboration with Google, is bringing consumers their first smart speaker to incorporate the Google Assistant with a visual display. The JBL LINKView takes the listening experience a step further by incorporating an 8” high-definition display with a touch screen and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera. The LINK View provides excellent sound quality, and is ideal for anyone that consumes a large amount of content daily. Users can view pictures, stream audio and video, ask questions, scan recipes, and video call with family and friends, all with their voice.

“When we launched the LINK series last year it represented a major milestone for us, as the first voice-activated, multi-room speakers to use Google Assistant and deliver Grammy® award-winning JBL sound,” said Lou Schreurs, VP, Connected Home & Luxury Audio BU, General Management. “Research shows voice activated speakers are no mere novelty. Sixty percent of owners now consider them a necessity. By continuing to enhance their experience by adding HD display with a touch screen and a front-facing camera, people will find even more ways to make these speakers an important part of their lives, routines and enjoyment.”

The high-resolution touch screen and camera is framed by two front-firing stereo speakers and a rear-facing passive radiator, delivering JBL Signature Sound with rich, deep bass. Made with premium materials that easily wipe clean, and designed to have a small footprint to take up minimal counter space, the JBL LINK View seamlessly integrates into any

room in the house. Users can set it up in the kitchen, and with the Google Assistant, follow along with a recipe, video call with friends, scroll through vacation photos, cast YouTube videos or connect the device to other LINK speakers for a multi-room listening experience.

"With smart displays, we're bringing the Google Assistant to a new class of device that deliver a fully interactive and visual experience. Smart displays can do everything the Google Assistant speakers can, with the additional benefit of a beautiful touch screen. They make it easy to watch YouTube videos, enjoy personal photos, follow recipes, control smart home devices and more," said Chris Turkstra, Director, Google Assistant. "We're excited to bring the LINK View to market with JBL and are committed to deliver a helpful, visual Google Assistant experience."

According to Damien Wilde, from 9-to-5 Google, “Overall I’d say that the JBL Link View does a great job of balancing speaker and smart display without many compromises in either camp. Google Assistant makes this more than just a speaker and the quality brought in by JBL helps make this more than just an Assistant powered display. While Amazon’s Echo Show may ship at less than half the price, it lacks the key integration with YouTube or Google Services to make it a real challenger to any Google-powered Smart Display. Until that changes, then I’d bank on Google winning the Smart Display war.”

Smart TV Content Meets Amazing Sound: JBL and Google Developing LINK BAR

Fans of the JBL LINK speakers have another reason to celebrate, as the legendary audio company is about to add the latest addition to the series—the JBL LINK BAR, which reflects the collaborative efforts between JBL and Google to deliver a soundbar solution that further builds out the voice activated JBL LINK series.

The LINK BAR will be the industry’s first soundbar powered by Android TV with the Google Assistant built in. It’s designed to combine JBL’s audio expertise and Android TV’s plethora of content, delivering a smarter way to watch your favorite content with best-in-class sound. The LINK BAR turns any TV, regardless of make or model, into a Smart TV. Just by saying “Hey Google,” you’ll open the door to a world of programming available hands-free through Android TV. So, whether you prefer to binge your favorite shows or hear the thumping action of live sports, the JBL LINK BAR has you covered.

Created with the tech-savvy user in mind, the LINK BAR will take its place at the forefront of the multi-room soundbar technology revolution. The launch of the LINK BAR marks the latest collaboration between JBL and Google, with the Google Assistant already included in the JBL LINK 10 and JBL LINK 20 models, and the recently announced LINK VIEW (as  above).

According to Michael Simon of TechHive, in a recent article entitled, “JBL’s Link Bar Might Be The Google Assistant/Android TV Soundbar Of My Dreams,” Simon noted that, “A Google Assistant-enabled smart soundbar with Android TV is a solution to several problems at once, and if it’s the start of a whole line of Google-centric home theater products, it could be the thing to start making Android TV a household name.”

 

We second that thought, Michael; and of course, both new JBL Google-Assisted models will be available at Video & Audio Center just as soon as they are released, so keep a look-out online, or just let us know you’re interested by commenting below and I will be sure to let you know when you can stop by to “kick the tires.”