Smart Speaker Reviews

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Bluetooth Speaker ReviewsSmart Speaker ReviewsWireless Multiroom Speaker ReviewsGrace Notes
Hands On with JBL's Versatile, Voice-Activated LINK 20 Speaker
Leslie Shapiro  |  Nov 06, 2017  | 
Voice-activated speakers are hitting the market hot and heavy with everyone vying to be the only system you’ll invest in. Amazon is hoping you’ll pick Alexa, and Cortana is hoping to get some traction in the market. Once you’re a Google family, odds are you’ll stay there. To that end, JBL just released a new line of Google Assistant voice-activated speakers, and the LINK 20 is the perfect balance of features, sound quality, and portability. Yup — that’s right — a voice-assistant that’s not only portable, it’s waterproof too so it can go anywhere.

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Bluetooth Speaker ReviewsSmart Speaker ReviewsWireless Multiroom Speaker ReviewsGrace Notes
Harman/Kardon Invoke with Cortana: a Smart Speaker That Actually Sounds Great
Leslie Shapiro  |  Oct 23, 2017  | 
When a company known for making very good speakers and receivers comes out with the first Cortana-based smart speaker, it better sound good. Did it? Nope — it sounded great!

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Smart Speaker ReviewsWireless Multiroom Speaker Reviews
Amazon Echo Review — Your Family’s Personal Assistant
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jul 15, 2015  | 

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $180

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Speaker and remote respond to plain English
Voice control initiates music, weather, traffic, and more
Voice-command access to music by artist, song, or radio station
Shopping list and reminders transfer to companion mobile app
Minus
Best used with Amazon Prime membership
Tendency to push Amazon products

THE VERDICT
The most useful gadget since the invention of the remote control.

When Amazon first made the Echo available to a limited number of Amazon Prime users, it seemed like a novelty device possibly destined to end up in the Land of Forgotten Gadgets. Instead, this voice-controlled Bluetooth speaker has become the device I wouldn’t want to live without.

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JBL L42ms Integrated Music System Review
Mark Henninger  |  Jul 31, 2024  | 

Performance
Build Quality
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $1,000

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Rich, detailed sound for an all-in-one
Excellent build quality
High-resolution audio support
Subwoofer output
Minus
No visual display
App is very basic
No S/PDIF input

THE VERDICT
The JBL L42ms is a music-focused integrated system that blends retro aesthetics with modern audio technology. Its simple design offers high-quality sound, ease of use, and useful features. It is a well-crafted, high-performance speaker that delivers audio satisfaction.

The JBL L42ms speaker system is a testament to JBL's ability to blend the charm of classic design with cutting-edge audio technology. Inspired by the iconic JBL L100 speakers from the 1970s, the L42ms is part of the company’s Classic Series and features an attractive wood veneer finish and JBL’s signature Quadrex foam grille.

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