Chinese-based Huawei has unveiled its first smart speaker at IFA 2018, combining a 4G router with built-in Alexa. Following its ban from Australia’s 5G network, Huawei’s ‘AI Cube’ will reportedly not launch down under.
The ‘AI Cube’ claims to be among the world’s first smart speakers to integrate a full 4G wireless router.
The hybrid speaker-router incorporates far field array microphones for 360-degree voice recognition, plus a 400mL sound cavity for enhanced audio.
Integrating Amazon’s smart assistant Alexa, the device is tipped to support a wide variety of third-party devices.
(Watch in action below)
Assumed to act as both a smart speaker and 4G hotspot, the AI Cube heralds in the next generation of smart home devices.
Huawei’s AI Cube is confirmed to launch in Europe around Christmas. According to Ausdroid, the Chinese company does not plan to launch the smart speaker in Australia.
Local consumers will have to wait and see whether rival manufacturers release a similar hybrid device – or whether Huawei changes its mind.
