JBL harnesses Google Assistant to rival Google Home
Harman audio firm JBL is launching a series of voice-activated speakers, the JBL LINK 10, LINK 20 and LINK 300, all of which are Google Assistant-compatible. The smart speakers will have all the functionality of Google Home, but the devices are portable, equipped with up to ten hours of battery life and waterproofing of up to IPX7. The devices will be available from autumn 2017.

Harman audio brand JBL has taken the wraps off a series of new voice-activated speakers during its exclusive press event at the IFA consumer technology tradeshow in Berlin.

The JBL LINK 10, LINK 20 and LINK 300 all ship with the Google Assistant.

Just like the Google Home, JBL LINK owners will be able to play music and podcasts, organise their calendar and control smart home devices with a few voice commands.

The smart speakers can also answer general knowledge queries, search for directions, check the latest news and traffic, and translate phrases.

But unlike the Google Home, the JBL LINK 10 and LINK 20 can be unplugged and taken out the house with you.

The LINK 10 and LINK 20 boast five and ten hours of battery life respectively.