JBL Link 10: The ultimate “Smart home” speaker?

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.

 

Recent Posts

  • Tech

Fujifilm Australia announces the new Fujifilm X-T30 III, a compact, mirrorless digital camera for everyone

Fujifilm Australia has announced the launch of the Fujifilm X-T30 III, their latest X-series compact…

1 day ago
  • Tech

Amazon’s smart glasses may be the first of their kind with an actual purpose

Amazon is a company delivering billions and billions of packages every single day, so they…

1 day ago
  • Lifestyle

Android vs Apple – putting July’s CaseSafe Luggage to the tracking test

When I first reviewed the July luggage almost seven years ago when the company was…

1 day ago
  • Tech

The Belkin UltraCharge 2-in-1 Foldable is an outstanding desk buddy you can take with you when you travel!

Look I know this product isn't designed specifically for travel, Belkin has products like that…

1 day ago
  • Tech

Samsung Galaxy XR announced running Android XR platform

At their Galaxy Unpacked ‘World’s Wide Open’ event yesterday, Samsung and Google unveiled the first…

1 day ago
  • Tech

Urgent calls to replace or update older Samsung phones amid Triple Zero call concerns

The Telco industry has been razor focussed on the Triple Zero system in recent weeks…

2 days ago