The JBL Link series is adding a soundbar to its range, the Link Bar which incorporates Google Assistant and Android TV making it not only a smart speaker but a streaming device.
Google says this product is, ‘first in a series of hybrid devices that delivers a full Assistant speaker and Android TV experience’.
According to Variety, the Link Bar will turn ‘any TV into a smart TV’ with it able to play shows from streaming sites such as Netflix. It supports 4K HDR video streaming and comes with a remote.
The Link Bar will also be equipped with far-field voice control.
Users are able to ask Google to turn on the TV, play music, play a particular show on various streaming platforms. For example, “Hey Google, play Gossip Girl on Netflix”.
Users can even ask Google to dim the lights and play music when the TV is off, making the Link Bar more than just a soundbar. Google can also show a user their calendar or their photos on the TV.
Reports says the JBL Link Bar will be around $1000, no mention of when it will be in Australia but more details will be released towards the end of the year.
Google is set to present the soundbar at its I/O developer conference over the next three days.
The JBL Link Bar will be competing against the upcoming Sonos
The Link series in Australia currently comprises of three speakers, the Link 10, Link 20 and new larger Link 300. The Link series starts from $229.
