The JBL Link Bar soundbar with Google Assistant is launching Spring 2019
All the way back in May at Google I/O 2018, one of the most exciting announcements came from JBL with its Link Bar soundbar. While soundbars on there own are a dime a dozen, the Link Bar stood out with built-in Google Assistant and Android TV. It was supposed to be released this past October, but it now has a new release date of Spring 2019.
JBL hasn't provided any reasoning for the delay, but in any case, we at least have a new timeframe to look forward to.
With the Google Assistant built-in, the Link Bar will act like any other Google Home speaker — allowing you to say "Hey, Google" or "Ok, Google" to perform a variety of voice commands. These commands work whether your TV is on or off, and if it's on, you'll get more than just a spoken response. For example, if you're playing your PlayStation 4 on one of your TV's HDMI inputs or watching Netflix using the built-in Android TV interface, the Link Bar can provide UI overlays when you ask about the weather, calendar appointments, etc.
Add all of that together with what should be an impressive soundbar on its own, and you're looking at a pretty enticing package for $399.95.
Are you still interested in the JBL Link Bar?
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Joe Maring was a Senior Editor for Android Central between 2017 and 2021. You can reach him on Twitter at @JoeMaring1.