All posts in “Smart Speakers”

Google Home Hub Smart Speaker

As an alternative to smart speakers, tech companies have released models that come with touch displays to expand their functions. Gadgets such as the 2018 Amazon Echo Show are devices that encourage people to initiate video calls instead. However, It’s a surprise to learn that the Google Home Hub, despite it being a next-generation product, does not come with a front-facing camera. The company probably has a good reason why it chose not to install an imaging sensor, so let’s find out.

Making video calls have seen increased adoption lately. Brands such as JBL recently showcased the Link View smart speaker, which apes the online retailer’s product, but includes better speakers. On the other hand, Facebook introduced its Portal and Portal Plus platform that touted a dynamic camera system which follows you around and automatically adjusts depending on the number of users.

The Home Hub is no slouch by any means. It’s powered by Google Assistant’s advanced AI and is compatible with most smart home devices. Moreover, you likewise gain access to YouTube Premium for free up to six months. Alexa-running machines currently cannot access the service. The 7-inch display is not as imposing as the 10-inch screen on the new Echo Show.

Users should be aware that in order for smart speakers to function properly, its microphones are always listening for commands. Researchers have pointed out that there’s a possibility that hackers or malware can allow unauthorized access to the device. There have been reported cases wherein personal information was collected by third parties while the user remained unaware. The Google Home Hub’s missing imaging system could be a precautionary measure to prevent people from spying on you. If you’re still interested, there are four colors available: Sand, Charcoal, Chalk, and Green.

Get Connected Here

Photos courtesy of Google

2018 Amazon Echo Dot

Consumers who absolutely love and depend on Alexa for most of their daily news, tasks, and smart home function controls are about to get a new upgrade with the 2018 Echo lineup. We have the all new Show with its 10-inch touchscreen display and design, the second-generation Plus with its improved smart home capabilities, and the 2018 Amazon Echo Dot smart speaker that packs cutting-edge technology into an inconspicuous little enclosure.

Just like the new Echo Plus, the upcoming Dot no longer features the sharp edges of its predecessor. What you see now is a more minimalistic design language that uses gentle curves to produce a futuristic vibe.  We also observed that the manufacturer opted to copy some of its competitors. We’re talking about the new fabric mesh that covers its body.

Amazon claims that the new device is 70 percent louder than the outgoing model and should sound even better. Surveys show that consumers primarily use these speakers to listen to their tunes, which is probably why a leg up on audio quality will make it an attractive reason to get the upgrade. We also learned that the 2018 Echo Dot now uses four microphones. Older models used seven, but it should not be a cause for worry. Tests show that the device can still make out your voice from across the room.

Get it from Amazon

2018 Amazon Echo Plus

Tech companies regularly  make announcements regarding its annual product lineup refresh to keep things interesting. These items are usually reworked to include the latest upgrades and new gimmicks. Hopefully, it will encourage consumers to take the plunge yet again for another cycle. Amazon recently unveiled its newest update for its popular range of smart speakers. One of those, the 2018 Amazon Echo Plus, flaunts a built-in smart home hub that unlocks even more options for wireless connectivity with more products.

As of now, it’s pretty obvious that the online retail giant is ahead of the smart speaker game. Google trails closely with its own lineup of devices, while Apple and Samsung are in dead last with one product each. The availability of Alexa is so widespread that almost every smart home device available on the market is compatible with Echo devices.

The 2018 Amazon Echo Plus integrates a Zigbee hub to communicate with even more products compared to its predecessor. Its advanced speaker configuration touts Dolby audio-enhancement technology to deliver crisp and clear sound. You will likewise notice that it underwent a dramatic size reduction compared to the first-generation unit. Furthermore, the top and bottom of the smart speaker sport contoured edges that make it look stylish yet discreet. It comes in three colors: Heather Gray, Sandstone, and Charcoal.

Get it from Amazon