9.10.18

JBL Launches New Google Assistant Powered Speakers and It's Something Straight Out of a Black Mirror Episode

I first encountered JBL's new line of speakers 2 months ago when I was asked to style (and also be part) of their new campaign video (thanks Kelly for the reco and Chels for trusting me!) featuring celebrity/host, the beautiful Gretchen Ho. The shoot centered on all the things these new speakers can do and I was blown away. It literally felt like I was in the middle of a Black Mirror episode! Imagine having your own personal assistant telling you what your schedule is the whole day, decreasing your lamp's brightness, playing songs you like, dictating the recipe of your favorite dish, turning on an electric blender (what?!), calling or texting your loved ones and so much more--  all through far-field voice recognition or voice command! I've seen it all during our shoot and then during the official launch which happened at the extremely exclusive & elusive Presidential Suite of Manila Hotel. It's amazing!!! More photos and stories below...




So that afternoon we were treated to a fun and exciting interactive product presentation where we got to see the features and power of the new JBL Link and Everest Series speakers!!! Believe me, you would WANT to have one (or two or three or four) in your own home. HARMAN International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has unveiled the JBL LINK series, the first voice-activated speakers to bring together JBL’s Signature Sound with the Google AssistantWith this, JBL is the first brand to officially launch Google Assistant-powered speakers in the Philippines!!! Available in four models, the LINK 10, LINK 20, LINK 300 and LINK 500, give consumers rich, full-range sound and instant access to their favorite music (and other amazing features) through voice control. Now is the time to use the famous expression, "Look Ma, no hands!". Get it? Hehe. 


“We are thrilled to pair JBL’s incredible legacy of award-winning sound with our growing line-up of voice-controlled speakers,” said Sir Larry Secreto, Harman Lifestyle Audio, Philippine Country Head. “The JBL LINK is an outstanding wireless smart speaker that truly brings world-class innovation right into the home of our consumers.” 


The JBL LINK is a hands-free voice-activated speaker series with built-in Google Assistant. Users can stream music, ask questions, manage everyday tasks, and easily control connected smart devices around the home – simply by using voice commands. By saying “Ok, Google” or “Hey, Google,” the device can help perform tasks like playing a favorite song, finding delicious recipes for dinner parties, or even checking traffic before leaving the house. 

Tech Editor - Art Samaniego, Yugatech Managing Editor- Louie Diangson, JBL Philippines Brand Ambassador - Gretchen Ho and Brand Activation Director and Sales Director for Car Audio of Harman International APAC - Seng Hock Chang.

Sir Art Samaniego tried out the the new JBL Link speaker himself inside the suite-- and he too was blown away! So high-tech!

Sir Larry, Louie Diangson, Gretchen Ho, Sir Art & Mr. Seng Hock Chang


JBL Link Series specs and pricelist!

Product
JBL LINK 10
JBL LINK 20
JBL LINK 300
JBL LINK 500
Price
P9,999
P12,999
P14,999
P23,999
Google Assistant built-in
Chromecast built-in with multi-room music playback
Speaker output power
2 X 8W
2 X 10W
2 X 25W
4 X 15W
HD audio streaming (24bit/96k)
Bluetooth
Portability (battery playtime)

(5 hours)

(
10 hours)
-
-
IPX7 waterproof
-
-
Dimensions (mm x mm x mm)
86 X 169
93 X 210
236 X 134 X 154
370 x 200 x 157


EVEREST Series Pricelist 


Product
JBL Everest 110 GA
JBL Everest 310 GA
JBL Everest 710 GA
Price
P4,990
P8,999
P9,999
Google Assistant built-in
Bluetooth
Portability (battery playtime)

(8 hours)

(
20 hours)

(
25 hours)



Speakers were given away and Paul won the raffle!!! So lucky waaah!

With my loves Paul Chuapoco and my favorite twins and my sissies Verniece & Vern Enciso. Always nice seeing and catching up with you guysss! :)

The product demo was hosted by super funny Chino Liu and conducted at different areas inside the Presidential Suite. 

Demo of the Link 10 inside the bedroom!

There were actors who demonstrated and showed us how to dim the lights, turn on the speaker to play different tunes and lower the speaker volume just by saying it out loud! Voice command examples: "Hey Google, play Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran" or "Hello Google, lower down volume to 50". So cool!

In the bathroom, we were shown how to use voice command to call someone or send someone a message without even touching your phone. Just dictate your message and Google will do it for you! 


I didn't get to take a photo (I was too busy watching and being in awe haha) but there was also a product demo in the living room where they showed us how you could play songs or videos on your speakers AND your television through voice command. It was also shown how you could link speakers inside the house for the best sound experience! The LINK speakers feature high-definition music streaming with Chromecast built-in, providing an elevated music experience, best-in class sound quality and endless entertainment from the most popular music and entertainment apps.

Last stop was the kitchen! 

I was so amazed when they showed how through voice command they were able to turn on a blender!! How? So cool is that! Powered by Google Assistant, these speakers can be connected to your smart appliances through the Google Home app. Plus, do you know that these speakers are waterproof? You need not worry about spills or toppling it over in the sink or tub! Gretchen mentioned that you could even submerge it in water. Perfect for clumsy people like me. Haha!

Me wearing the Everest 710GA headphone while holding the Link 10 speaker!

Through Google Assistant, all three of the in-ear Everest Elite 110GA, on-ear Everest 310GA, and over-ear 710GA allow users to have easy and convenient control over the connected device’s notifications, music, phone calls, SMS text messages and other smartphone functions. The revamped Everest lineup also come with a touch-sensitive ear cup and earbud, allowing one tap access for Google Assistant. Carrying the signature JBL sound, the Everest Elite 110GA, Everest 310GA, and Everest 710GA promote long hours of playtime with a stamina of 8 hours, 10 hours, and 25 hours respectively. 


Designed for you to enjoy uninterrupted music anywhere you go, the LINK 10 and LINK 20 speakers are made highly portable with IPX7 waterproof rating and comes with 5 and 10 hours of playing time respectively. The LINK series’ larger members, the LINK 300 and LINK 500, meanwhile, are both made to be a reliable music source at home. Also The LINK 300 and LINK 500, along with other JBL speakers can all be connected through any home Wi-Fi network for a multiple speakers setup for a powerful, louder multi-room listening experience. Love it!



Congrats JBL for these groundbreaking and life-changing products, as well as the successful launch!!! Well, I wouldn't expect anything less from a brand that for 70 years has been bringing people closer through great music experiences – from concert venues, opera houses, sports stadiums, movie theaters, to homes. With its extensive range of audio products for consumers, JBL elevates experiences with immersive audio to make life more epic. Hope you also get to try it! :)


For more information about these new products & the brand, follow:

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