The first and currently only soundbar powered by Google’s Android TV is the JBL Link Bar, and this week, it’s getting a notable update that brings official Prime Video support.
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Android TV is growing quickly, but it’s rare to see on a consumer device that’s not a full-size TV. After a long delay, the JBL Link Bar hit the market as the first Android TV soundbar and I’ve spent the past couple of weeks using it in place of my Nvidia Shield. For $399, is it for you? Let’s take a look.
It’s been ages since an exciting piece of hardware hit the Android TV ecosystem, but earlier this summer, the first soundbar with Google’s platform finally hit the market. For the past 24 hours, I’ve been able to spend some quality time with the JBL Link Bar, and I’ve got some first impressions to share.
The long story is finally over. After several delays over the course of a full year, the Android TV-powered JBL Link Bar is finally available for purchase at $399.
One of the coolest things about Google I/O last year, for me at least, was the reveal of the JBL Link Bar. The clever soundbar/Android TV box combo looks like a fantastic product, but it’s been pushed back time and time again. JBL was supposed to release the Link Bar sometime this Spring, but now it’s been delayed again, this time to the Summer.
One of the most interesting hardware announcements at I/O 2018 was the JBL Link Bar. At CES 2019, JBL revealed that its hybrid Google Assistant smart speaker and Android TV set-top box is shipping this spring.
Android TV was given new life this year courtesy of a renewed focus from Google as well as plenty of new hardware. Now, JBL’s unique soundbar equipped with Android TV is available for pre-order.
Google and JBL announced a new hybrid Android TV device yesterday, and we got a chance to check it out in person today at Google I/O. It’s an interesting new take on what a smart TV experience means, but really, the biggest benefits come from how strongly Google is influencing it.
In the past year, Android TV gained a new home screen interface with Oreo that prioritizes content, as well as the Assistant for commands and managing smart home devices. When connected to a sound system, this latter feature essentially makes Android TV a smart speaker. Google is now embracing this convergence with a series of hybrid Assistant and Android TV devices.