The future of your home is voice control – there’s almost no doubt about that – it’s just a matter of when and with which technology. Google’s first attempt at this is “Google Home” an amazing voice assistant that unfortunately isn’t a great speaker. Problem solved – there’s new speakers coming with Google Home smarts built in!
At IFA in Berlin Sony was first to announce a Google Home compatible speaker but that’s been followed fast by more and there will be more to come.
Sony & JBL’s Google Assistant enabled Speakers – side by side
JBL has what we think is the best option overall right now though, the Link 10 – coming to Australia later this year for around $249 this little speaker is Google Home made portable.
With 5 hours of Battery playback time, you’ve got Chromecast built-in, Google Assistant Built in, and HD audio streaming – hard to ask for more really.
There’s a big brother product coming too, the Link 20 which is larger again and will be $349.
From our look at this, it seems we’re going to have the “lounge room” speakers, like the Sony and Apple’s upcoming HomePod, and the portable like JBLs and others to tempt those looking for the smart home solution.
Keep your eyes on Harman though, the Samsung company which makes JBL, Harman/Kardon and more – they have plans for Alexa spakers, this Google Assistant speaker and even a Cortana speaker – I’ve seen them all, and there’s some great stuff coming.
For now though, the Link 10 in my mind is the best value Google Assistant speaker – you’ll find it in leading Aussie retailers later this year.
Trev is a Technology Commentator, Dad, Speaker and Rev Head.
He produces and hosts several popular podcasts, EFTM, Two Blokes Talking Tech, Two Blokes Talking Electric Cars, The Best Movies You’ve Never Seen, and the Private Feed. He is the resident tech expert for Triple M on radio across Australia, and is the resident Tech Expert on Channel 9’s Today Show and appears regularly on 9 News, A Current Affair and Sky News Early Edition.
Father of three, he is often found in his Man Cave.
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