LG has taken on JBL’s Link View, Amazon’s Echo Show and Google’s Home Hub, by unveiling its new ‘XBOOM AI ThiQ WK9’ smart display, featuring an 8″ touch screen with Meridian Audio for “powerful stereo sound.”
Announced in Korea overnight, the XBOOM WK9 will launch in the United States first, with other “key markets” to follow (Local pricing and availability to be confirmed).
Seo Young-Jae, LG Home Head of Convergence Audio and Video Businesses, asserts the XBOOM WK9 is unlike other smart displays, where sound takes a “back seat”:
“Unlike other AI speakers where sound quality takes a back seat to the brain, the WK9 is first and foremost a high fidelity audio product that also happens to be intelligent.”
“Our partnerships with Google and Meridian Audio allows us to offer a new home entertainment experience with the smart capabilities of the Google Assistant and the premium audio know-how that only Meridian could deliver.”
Incorporating Meridan Auto parts, the XBOOM WK9 offers 20W stereo speakers – claimed to be the most powerful offered in a smart speaker to date.
Offering high-fidelity sound, the XBOOM WK9 pledges crystal clear sound (for music and video chatting), with precise playback and accurate bass.
Built in collaboration with Google, users can easily access YouTube videos, Google Photos, Google Maps and more with ease.
Consumers can call upon the XBOOM WK9 to control other LG ThinQ products (e.g. TVs and home appliances), in addition to the thousands of smart devices which support Google Assistant.
LG claims it will provide pricing and further information closer to launch.
Specifications:
- Display: 8-inch HD Touch Screen
- Speaker Output: 2Ch / 20W
- Camera: 5MP
- Operating System: Android Things
- Size (W x H x D): 370 x 244 x 145mm
- Weight: 1.51kg
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi / Bluetooth
- Power Supply: 5.6W
- Color: Black
[LG]
