Ahead of the official kickoff for Google I/O 2018, Harman announced a new hybrid device that’s part sound bar & part streaming box. Introducing the JBL Link Bar: a smart sound bar that runs Android TV and offers Google Assistant support.
Looks like the smart speaker will evolve into the smart sound bar.
Google & JBL teamed up to make this happen as they beat Sonos to the punch w/ a smart sound bar but this looks to do more. The Link Bar will connect via HDMI & you can use your voice to go from TV/movies, gaming, or another device. So you’ll be able to use voice control to play music from it when the TV is off.
It will have far-field mics for Google Assistant + hands-free control, 4 HDMI ports, ethernet, and a 3.5mm port as well. No word on pricing but the Link Bar is set to arrive sometime in the fall of this year.
I’m pretty interested in this as long as the sound quality is good, I’m in. How about you?
