Close on the heels of I/O 2018, Google announced a JBL Link Bar – a voice-controlled Soundbar with Google Assistant and support for Android TV. It is basically an AI-powered speaker or smart speaker, like Google Home (Review), that also doubles up as an audio output for television sets.
Key Highlights of JBL Link Bar:
- Google Assitant-integrated Smart Speaker
- JBL’s Audio Quality and Android TV content
- To be available later this year
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JBL Link Bar: Here is what it can do
The JBL Link Bar is industry’s first soundbar with Android TV support and built-in assistant. With Google Assistant integration, you can prompt commands to the soundbar using hot keywords like ‘Hey Google’/’Ok Google’ and do things using voice prompts. You can switch your Android TV on, play YouTube videos, ask Google your queries, play a TV channel without requiring physical interaction, or play music on Pandora.
The promotional video below aptly demonstrates this:
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Moreover, the soundbar can also be used to control smart home devices in your home like ‘dimming the lights’ and ‘switching on the air-conditioner’.
The JBL Link Bar comes multiple connectivity options such as an Ethernet port, optical line-in port, service port, three HDMI inputs, ARC HDMI outputs, and a subwoofer pairing button. It doesn’t come with a remote, so the whole operation of the soundbar is through voice.
JBL Link Bar Price and Availability
JBL Link Bar will be available for sale later this year and its pricing will be revealed once that happens.
The JBL Link Music has also been a great asset musically as well as a home assistant