Technological advances have grown beyond people’s expectations so rapidly. And with all the latest innovations unfolding before us, life has truly become more convenient.
Have you ever once wondered how easy it would be if there was a virtual voice that you could speak to at any time? And what if that voice gave you all the information you need, played your favorite songs, and just followed all your commands?
In this article, we will discuss what smart speakers are and which brands are reviewed the best this year.
What You Need to Know about Smart Speakers
Taking its place among the most revolutionary gadgets available today, smart speakers can perform services beyond just playing music.
Speech recognition software has been around for a while, but it’s probably only since companies that sell cell-phone began introducing virtual assistants that we’ve really gotten into using voice command to control our devices. This technology has allowed us to send text messages, set alarms, open apps, and search the web, using only our voice.
Now, virtual assistants are being built into wireless speakers, creating a new type of device: the smart speaker. Not only do these speakers produce high-quality audio while streaming music over Wi-Fi, they also respond to a wide variety of voice commands. They can even be used to wirelessly control other devices such as smart home appliances.
If you have an iPhone, then you’ve probably already met Siri, who is also the artificial intelligence behind Apple’s new smart speaker, the HomePod. Meanwhile, with an Amazon Echo, you can use Alexa to control many smart home devices. And then there’s the ubiquitous Google Assistant, which works with Google Home and other third-party smart speakers.
Of course, a smart speaker is, first and foremost, a speaker. We can list down everything a smart speaker can do, but ultimately, it has to sound good. And as a voice command device, it should also be able to hear you well. So if you’re interested in purchasing one of these nifty gadgets, let’s check out the top picks so far this year.
Best Smart Speakers of 2018
The year is still in its early months, but tech experts have already reviewed the best-sounding smart speakers thus far. Here are their top choices:
This model has become a fan favorite for its sleek and modern design. It’s also more compact than other smart speakers, so it’s highly portable and can fit anywhere in your home.
It has six microphones built in to ensure that your voice is audible even when you’re in the next room. Its buttons are all touch-sensitive, so you can simply tap or swipe to control your music.
Echo 2 promises a more enhanced version of the first-generation Amazon Echo with improved microphones and sound volumes. It produces a clear sound, even at the loudest volume levels.
This model also boasts its noise-cancelling feature that allows you to be more audible even when you’re far from the unit. It is also made smaller and it still works as a Bluetooth speaker.
These are just two of the best-reviewed smart speakers today, and the market is growing quickly. Are you planning on buying a new smart speaker? Which virtual assistant do you prefer?
