Audio Video News

Polk Audio has entered the smart speaker race with a compact Google-powered speaker that supports voice control and wireless audio streaming.

Due out in June, the $200 Polk Assist is a voice-controllable speaker that integrates Google Assistant and Chromecast built-in- for hands-free access to the internet, wireless audio streaming among multiple Chromecast-enabled speakers — including Polk’s MagniFi Mini and MagniFi Max soundbars — and voice control of compatible smart-home devices.

Chromecast built-in provides access to Pandora, TuneIn, Google Play Music, iHeartRadio, NPR, Spotify, and other streaming services through compatible apps.

The speaker also supports Bluetooth streaming and is built on the Android Things platform, which leverages Google’s intelligent learning algorithms. It’s also one of the first smart speakers to incorporate the certified Android Things System-on-Modules (SoMs), which facilitates regular security and features updates. Setting up the Polk Assist for smart-speaker operation requires downloading the free Google Home app (iOS or Android).

Polk’s two-way design delivers 40 watts of power to a 3.5-inch woofer and 1-inch tweeter in an enclosure 7.5 inches tall, 4.7 inches wide, and 4.7 inches deep. The speaker is available in black or gray.

For more information, visit polkaudio.com.