It might not be a wearable device after all, as OpenAI is reportedly working on its first hardware product, a smart speaker powered by ChatGPT. According to The Information (via Engadget), the device will include advanced features like a built-in camera for facial recognition and object identification. OpenAI aims to position the speaker as a more interactive and intelligent alternative to existing products like Amazon Echo and Google Home.

The smart speaker could cost between $200 and $300 and is expected to launch in early 2027. The device will reportedly use its camera to recognize objects nearby, scan faces with Face ID-like authentication, and even listen to conversations in its surroundings.

The speaker will try to assist users by nudging them toward actions that align with their goals. For example, it could suggest going to bed early if a user has a major event the next day.

OpenAI hired former Apple designer Jony Ive to lead the hardware design. Ive’s design firm, io Products, was acquired by OpenAI in 2025 for $6.5 billion. Over 200 employees are currently working on OpenAI’s hardware division, indicating the company’s serious commitment to entering the consumer tech market.

Privacy concerns have already become a major talking point, as some of you might already feel while reading this article. Yes, the always-on camera and microphone could raise serious questions about how OpenAI stores and processes user data.

Some of you might also feel uncomfortable being watched all the time through a camera, especially in private spaces like in living rooms. The fact that the device is designed to actively track its surroundings only amplifies these concerns.

In addition to the smart speaker, OpenAI is working on other AI-powered devices, including smart glasses and a smart lamp. Reports suggest the smart glasses may not be ready until 2028, while the smart lamp’s production status remains unclear.

As OpenAI is facing a competitive market and might actually go bankrupt in 2027, according to many reports, the company is planning to diversify its product strategy and eventually launch hardware products powered by ChatGPT. This diversification could help stabilize the company in the long run, but it won’t be easy.

Established players like Amazon, Google, and Apple already have proven smart speaker products in the market, and OpenAI will need to overcome significant challenges, including ChatGPT’s tendency to generate inaccurate or biased responses, to convince consumers to embrace its new devices.

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Amazon has introduced four new Echo devices designed for Alexa+, its upgraded AI assistant. The new lineup includes Echo Dot Max, Echo Studio, Echo Show 8, and Echo Show 11. All four come with more power, more sensors, and Alexa+ access out of the box.

Custom Chips for Faster AI

The new devices run on Amazon’s AZ3 and AZ3 Pro chips. Echo Dot Max uses AZ3, which improves wake-word detection by 50 percent, filters background noise, and powers Amazon’s best microphone array yet. Echo Studio, Echo Show 8, and Echo Show 11 use AZ3 Pro, which supports advanced language models and vision transformers for smarter, faster responses. All devices feature Omnisense, a sensor system that uses a 13-megapixel camera, audio, radar, accelerometers, and Wi-Fi signals to detect events in the home. Alexa can then act proactively, such as reminding someone when a specific person walks in the room or alerting if the garage door is left open after 10 p.m.

Echo Dot Max and Echo Studio

Echo Dot Max has a redesigned audio system with two speakers. It includes a high-excursion woofer and a custom tweeter, delivering nearly three times the bass of the Echo Dot (5th gen). The speaker module is built into the housing for fuller bass. Echo Studio is 40 percent smaller than the original and includes a high-excursion woofer with three full-range drivers. It supports spatial audio and Dolby Atmos. Customers can also pair up to five Echo Dot Max or Echo Studio units with Fire TV sticks to create an Alexa Home Theater system.

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Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11

Both displays feature in-cell touch and negative liquid crystal design for clearer visuals in any light. They include 13-megapixel cameras that let Alexa greet users and show relevant information. The devices also work as smart home hubs, supporting Zigbee, Matter, and Thread.

Pricing and Availability

Echo Dot Max will be priced at $99.99. Echo Studio will cost $219.99. Echo Show 8 will be available for $179.99, while Echo Show 11 will be $219.99. Pre-orders are open now in the U.S. Echo Dot Max and Echo Studio will launch on October 29, and Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11 will launch on November 12.

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TCL is stepping beyond the soundbar. The company has announced the Z100 Wireless Home Theater Speaker System, the first product in the United States to ship with Dolby Atmos FlexConnect. It marks the beginning of a new category in TCL’s audio portfolio and is designed to work seamlessly with its 2025 premium QD-Mini LED TVs.

TCL Z100 Speaker System Specs

Dolby Atmos FlexConnect is positioned as the antidote to rigid home theater setups. Instead of forcing users to calibrate around a fixed arrangement, the system automatically adapts to the room layout and speaker placement.

That means speakers can be set virtually anywhere in a space and still deliver optimized Dolby Atmos sound. TCL and Dolby are presenting it as a solution that blends flexibility with immersion, eliminating the usual pain points of home theater calibration.

The Z100 speaker design leans on high-end audio components such as large rare-earth NdFeB magnets, silk-dome tweeters, and tightly wound voice coils. Each unit supports a 1.1.1 channel configuration, with dedicated main, bass, and height channels, and delivers up to 170 watts (RMS).

TCL says the system can be expanded to four speakers, with an optional matching wireless subwoofer that integrates seamlessly with TCL’s latest QM8K, QM7K, and QM6K TVs.

It’s a modular approach: start with one or two speakers, add more over time, and let the system automatically recalibrate. That growth-friendly model makes it less intimidating for people who want the depth of Dolby Atmos without committing to a massive setup on day one.

Pricing and Availability

In the US, the Z100 is priced at $399.99 per speaker. TCL is also offering bundles: the Z100 Duo with two speakers for $799.98, the Z100 Trio+ with two speakers and a subwoofer for $1,299.97, and the Z100 Quartet+ with three speakers and a subwoofer for $1,699.96. All bundles are available through major retailers starting this week.

In related news, Portronics has recently launched the Nebula X 150W wireless party speaker with karaoke mic and RGB lights, while Decathlon has introduced the PS100 Bluetooth speaker featuring a 10-hour battery, IPX7 rating, and a user-replaceable battery.

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TCL has launched the Z100 Smart Panoramic Sound Speaker, a high-performance audio device designed for immersive home entertainment. It is priced at 1,499 yuan ($206) and is now available on JD.com. Let’s check out its key specs.

TCL Z100 Speaker Specifications

The Z100 features a 1.1.1 channel configuration and comes with four professionally tuned speaker drivers capable of delivering up to 170W of dynamic output. It is designed to offer more than just volume, focusing on clarity, depth, and immersive spatial sound.

It supports Dolby Atmos FlexConnect, developed in collaboration with Dolby’s audio engineers and TCL’s own Golden Ear team, allowing wireless syncing with compatible TCL TVs to create a rich and three-dimensional soundstage.

It also features a built-in spatial audio optimization system and sports integrated microphones that scan and analyze the acoustic properties of the room. This smart calibration technology adjusts the sound output in real time, ensuring optimal performance regardless of the room’s size, shape, or layout.

On the hardware side, the Z100 equips oversized voice coils, high-performance ferrite magnets, and silk dome tweeters that reproduce ultra-high frequencies beyond 20kHz. Each speaker unit delivers up to 94dB, providing enough power to fill larger spaces with ease. For users who want stronger bass performance, TCL offers an optional Z100-SW subwoofer that adds 130W of low-end output and reaches down to 45Hz for deeper and more impactful audio.

The Z100 supports modular expansion and comes with the flexibility to connect up to four Z100 speakers and one subwoofer. This configuration unlocks up to 14 channels and 18 individual speaker units, including four tweeters, allowing users to build anything from a compact stereo setup to a full surround system that exceeds traditional 7.1.4 layouts.

In terms of design, the Z100 sports a celestial-inspired aesthetic and is available in grey, gold, and teal finishes. It features a starburst-pattern front grille, premium fabric mesh, and hidden cable management that contribute to a clean and refined appearance. It also comes with adjustable horizontal angles and discreet mounting options, making it easy to integrate into different interior styles.

For connectivity and convenience, the Z100 supports Bluetooth 5.3 and features automatic calibration to ensure a seamless and wireless setup experience from the moment it is powered on.

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Xiaomi has introduced the Smart Speaker Pro, an AI-powered speaker with the Super Xiao AI voice assistant, priced at 299 yuan ($41). It debuted alongside the Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro at the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and SU7 Ultra launch event.

Xiaomi Smart Speaker Pro Specifications

The Xiaomi Smart Speaker Pro features Super Xiao AI with an advanced language model for natural, multi-turn conversations and context retention. Users can issue continuous voice commands without repeating wake words, while a triple-microphone array ensures accurate recognition. It supports dynamic semantic inheritance, enabling contextual memory for complex queries, planning assistance, and text generation.

It comes with a 2.5-inch full-range speaker unit, supported by dual passive radiators, producing a powerful 12W output. The sound system is designed to deliver crisp highs, rich mids, and deep bass, ensuring a well-balanced audio experience. The speaker also supports stereo pairing, allowing users to connect two units for an immersive surround sound setup. Additionally, it features a dynamic light band that synchronizes with music playback, enhancing the listening experience with a visually engaging element.

It sports a comprehensive smart home control system through HyperOS, offering hands-free operation for Xiaomi IoT devices. It supports voice commands for multiple devices at once and can create automated routines based on user habits. Additionally, it features an infrared remote control function, enabling users to manage non-smart home appliances such as traditional TVs and air conditioners.

The speaker supports Bluetooth 5.0 for stable wireless connectivity, as well as dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz) for faster network performance. It also comes with a Type-C audio input, allowing users to connect external devices like laptops, desktops, and projectors for wired audio playback.

Designed with a sleek, woven fabric exterior and rounded edges, the Xiaomi Smart Speaker Pro blends aesthetics with functionality. It measures 110mm x 110mm x 209mm and weighs approximately 1073g. The device features easy-to-use buttons for playback, volume control, and microphone muting, along with an LED indicator that provides status updates.

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Tmall has launched a new wireless speaker called Genie IN Sugar 6 in the Chinese market. The smart speaker is priced at 179 yuan ($25) and it is now available on JD.com. The speaker is also available in a special Zhou Shen gift box edition, priced at 249 yuan ($35). Let’s delve into its key specs.

Tmall Genie IN Sugar 6 Speaker Specifications:

The speaker is designed to deliver high-quality audio with its 550cc sound chamber, 8045 racetrack-shaped speaker, and 33W peak power. It features a U-shaped bass reflex tube design that enhances bass by 3dB and includes a loudness tracking algorithm. The speaker has received Hi-Res certification, indicating its capability to deliver high-resolution audio.

The Tmall Genie IN Sugar 6 features a unique circular interactive screen that displays information like time, temperature, and emojis in a pixelated style. It also offers themed visuals for special occasions.

The speaker supports a range of smart home control features, including voiceprint recognition, white noise generation, timer countdown, and schedule management.

The standard version of the Tmall Genie IN Sugar 6 is available in three colors: Brown Sugar, Milk Sugar, and Orange Sugar. The speaker’s design features a classic cubic shape and incorporates 3D lychee texture material, crafted using a five-axis laser texturing process, and is complemented by a metal mesh grille.

The Zhou Shen gift box version, which comes in a unique Blue Sand color, includes Zhou Shen’s signature and offers a personalized greeting from the artist upon startup. This version also features a Zhou Shen voice package and an exclusive Zhou Shen-themed music playlist.

The speaker includes a built-in temperature and humidity sensor that can connect with other home appliances to automatically adjust the indoor environment. Alongside Bluetooth 4.2, the device also supports 2.4G and 5G dual-band Wi-Fi for a smooth network connection.

The Tmall Genie IN Sugar 6 smart speaker integrates with major music platforms like Kugou Music, QQ Music, Kuwo Music, NetEase Cloud Music, and Ximalaya, providing access to a vast library of audio content.

The product comes with a 12W power adapter and features buttons for volume control, mute, and multi-function use. The Zhou Shen gift box version includes additional items like two Zhou Shen postcards, a refrigerator magnet, and premium gift box packaging.

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Apple has introduced a new midnight color for its HomePod mini smart speaker. The new color is made with 100% recycled mesh fabric and joins the existing blue, yellow, orange, and white color options. The HomePod mini with the new midnight color will be available for purchase starting July 17.

The speaker can be used with Apple Music, or paired with Apple TV 4K

The HomePod mini is a compact smart speaker that offers big sound in a small package. It features a seamless,acoustically transparent mesh exterior and a backlit touch surface that illuminates from edge to edge. The HomePod mini can be used with Apple Music to access over 100 million songs, and it can also be used to create a home theater experience with Apple TV 4K.

Originally released in November 2020, the HomePod mini has become a popular choice for consumers seeking a compact, high-quality smart speaker. With the addition of the new midnight color, the company continues to expand its options for customers while maintaining its commitment to sustainability.

The HomePod mini is priced at $99 in the United States. It is available for purchase on Apple.com and at Apple Store locations.

(Via)

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Xiaodu Technology, a subsidiary of Baidu, specializes in AI-powered smart devices, including smart speakers and displays, enhancing user experiences through Baidu’s DuerOS. They integrate advanced AI technologies, contribute to Baidu’s smart home ecosystem, and have achieved leadership in the Chinese market with substantial funding and valuation growth.

Earlier today, Xiaodu introduced its latest Tiantian Casa ARIA smart speaker in China which is now available for pre-order on JD.com.

The speaker is initially priced at 3199 yuan ($437) and it features a transparent casing with white borders and 67 smart ambient lights. These lights can synchronize with different light effects, shadows, and color schemes, making it ideal for ambient lighting. The speaker also includes a rotary button on the bottom right that serves as a time display.

Xiaodu Tiantian Casa ARIA Smart Speaker Key Features:

The smart speaker uses LHDC high-resolution audio encoding and decoding technology, earning it dual gold certifications in HiRes and HiRes Wireless quality for exceptional audio performance.

Inside its transparent casing, there’s a custom 15W full-range speaker designed to resonate with the acoustic structure. The speakers have a frequency range of 60Hz to 20KHz and a 3300CC sound cavity. It also integrates with major music platforms like QQ Music, Kugou Music, Kuwo Music, and NetEase Cloud Music. Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth 5.2+LHDC high-speed transmission, and it includes a 3.5mm audio input for traditional audio connections.

The speaker offers control options with a power button, rotary knob, and two additional buttons. The speaker weighs 3.21 kg and measures 287mm x 215mm x 104mm.

The speaker is powered by Baidu’s DuerOS 7.0 system, enabling intelligent voice interactions for tasks like setting alarms, checking the weather, or answering general knowledge questions.

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(Via)

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Xiaomi has introduced the Xiaomi Sound 2023 Smart Speaker as a successor to its 2021 model, keeping the price unchanged at 499 yuan ($68). The updated version brings improvements such as key backlighting and NFC music relay capabilities.

Xiaomi Sound 2023 smart speaker key features:

The Xiaomi Sound 2023 smart speaker has undergone slight changes in appearance and packaging compared to its predecessor. It now includes HARMAN AudIoEFX audio software tuning for improved audio quality. The speaker is compact at 108mm×108mm×88mm and lightweight at 564g, making it highly portable and adaptable to various room configurations.

It features a 2.25-inch neodymium boron dual-magnetic circuit full-range 12W unit capable of reaching a maximum sound pressure of 90dB. It also incorporates a 54mm×44mm dual-suspension passive radiator to achieve a low frequency as low as 70Hz and holds the CGEC Golden Ear Preferred Certification.

The speaker offers real-time dynamic tuning and the “Nightingale Algorithm” to adjust high, medium, and low frequencies based on volume levels. It’s compatible with popular music platforms like QQ Music and NetEase Cloud Music and supports lossless music formats.

Users can enhance their audio experience by pairing two Xiaomi Sound 2023 speakers for a stereo sound system or connecting multiple speakers for synchronized playback throughout their entire house.

The smart speaker offers versatile connectivity options, including Xiaomi Miobo, NFC music relay, Bluetooth 5.1, Xiaoai voice commands, and AirPlay 2. This enables seamless integration with various smart ecosystems.

The product is now available to purchase from various e-commerce portals in China.

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(Via)

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Earlier, we reported about Sonos working on a new premium lineup of smart speakers, which will soon go official. While the company is yet to officially launch the new speakers, they have been leaked online.

Sonos Era 300 and Era 100, which will be a part of the new premium Era lineup from the company, have been leaked online ahead of the official launch, with official images, specs, and pricing details.

The Sonos Era 300 will be a high-end model with a unique dual-angled design and will be a direct competitor to the Apple HomePod 2. It will come with six drivers that direct sound forward, left, right, and up. Some of the features confirmed for the device include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, built-in mics, auto EQ, and USB-C line-in.

It will be HomeKit/AirPlay 2 compatible and should also have Siri support as well as Alexa support. The speaker can also be used as surrounds for the Sonos Arc and Beam soundbars for an immersive Dolby Atmos setup.

On the other hand, the Sonos Era 100 will be an evolution of the Sonos One with a bigger mid-woofer for improved bass and two tweeters for a “true stereo sound.” Earlier, the speaker was expected to have support for Spatial Audio, but that will not be the case. It will feature the same set of connectivity options as the Era 300.

Coming to the pricing, the leak reveals that the Sonos Era 300, the high-end premium offering, could be priced around $450 while the Sonos Era 100 could cost around $250. While the exact launch date has not been revealed, the speakers are expected to go official in the coming weeks.

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Sonos, the company known for making premium speakers and soundbars, is gearing up to launch a new generation of smart speakers, which are expected to go official in the coming months.

According to the report from The Verge, the two upcoming smart speakers, named Sonos Era 300 and Sonos Era 100 will get launched in the coming months, but the exact launch date is yet known.

The speakers were previously leaked under the codename Optimo and are expected to rival Apple HomePod and other similar smart speakers from brands like Google and Amazon.

The report adds that both speakers will come with a completely new design compared to the current products from Sonos. It is also said that the Era 300 will come with support for Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos.

A few months ago, it was reported that Sonos plans to revamp its lineup of products with the launch of several new speakers under a new series. The premium offering in the new lineup, Era 300, which has the codename Optimo 2, will be a multidirectional speaker. It will feature a completely rearchitected acoustic design and will offer the richest fidelity of any single speaker that Sonos has ever released.

The speaker is also expected to come with a USB-C port, Wi-Fi 6 connectivity support, and Bluetooth playback. All speakers in the Era lineup will support automatic tuning and sound optimization. Do note that the features were explored during the development stage, and the final list of features may be different.

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Source

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After delaying the launch of its flagship smartphones, Xiaomi has confirmed that the Xiaomi 13 series smartphones will be officially launched on 11th December. Along with that, the company is all set to launch a few other products in the market.

Now, just days before the official launch event, the company has teased the Xiaomi Sound Pro smart speaker and has also revealed the upcoming device’s appearance.

The teaser poster shared by the company showcases the design of the Xiaomi Sound Pro, which the company claims will offer flagship-quality sound. The photo shows that the speaker will have a cylindrical body where the upper part of the product has a transparent design with ambient light, which we expect to change based on the music’s rhythm.

Xiaomi has already started taking reservations for the Sound Pro smart speaker and will keep it live till 11th December, the launch date for the upcoming product. It will be available for purchase in the Chinese market from 12th December, a day after it gets announced.

The list for the product’s reservation shows that the Black-colored speaker has a gross weight of 3.08 kilograms and will come with support for SBC, AAC audio transmission protocols, 8-ohm impedance, and a 3.5mm AUX port.

There’s a possibility that the company may reveal more information about the device in the coming days through teaser posters. Even if that isn’t the case, it’s not a long wait for the official announcement to take place. Along with the Xiaomi 13 series and Xiaomi Sound Pro, the company will also launch Xiaomi Mini Host and Xiaomi 10G Router on 11th December in the Chinese market.

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Apple HomePod smart speaker could be getting a major new feature in the next-generation model and reports revealing that information has now started surfacing online.

If the latest reports are to be believed, then the Cupertino-based technology giant is working on a revamped HomePod smart speaker which will act as a smart display with a built-in camera.

It is also being claimed that the next-generation HomePod with support for Face ID could come powered by the company’s own tvOS. The report adds that Apple is planning to add a built-in camera to the speaker for handling FaceTime conversations.

Being a smart speaker with a display and a camera, the next-generation model could compete against the likes of Google Nest Hub Max and the Amazon Echo Show, both of which are smart speakers with a display, camera, and a voice assistant.

While there are reports about this new HomePod with Face ID powered by tvOS, there’s not much information available at this time. Even the launch timeline of such a product remains unknown. Thus, it is highly unlikely to get unveiled at WWDC this year but the company could tease such a product at WWDC or reveal some more information about it.

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Apple is usually among the leading companies in whatever category the company launches its products but the Cupertino-based technology giant has a minimal market share when it comes to smart speakers.

In an effort to tilt the market to its advantage, it is reported that Apple could be working on a 15-inch iPad. The large-screened iPad could be positioned in such a way that it will support smart speakers from the brand.

One of the biggest advantages that Apple has when it comes to smart devices is its App Store and with the new 15-inch iPad as a smart display solution in support for speakers, the App Store can be leveraged to gain more users.

The report indicates that the upcoming large-screened iPad could come packed with a powerful chipset and include a top-of-the-line camera in landscape orientation. It is expected to have support for the wall mount and have a power plug at the back.

It is speculated to be a two-in-one device that can be used as a smart display for home or double up as a tablet. The device is expected to go official in a couple of years but whenever it launches, the pricing will be crucial in its success.

Currently, Amazon and Google are dominating the smart speaker market with 69 percent and 25 percent of the market share. One factor that is helping them is their smart voice assistant — Alexa and Google Assistant, which are considered to be much better than Siri when it comes to virtual assistance.

In related news, the report also confirms that Apple will launch its new iPad Pro in 11-inch and 12.9-inch models next year. Both of them will come with a mini-LED display and have support for Mag-Safe wireless charging as well as reverse wireless charging.

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Apple recently announced that the HomePod Mini speaker will be available in more color options. Now, the technology giant has started selling the smart speaker in Yellow, Orange, and Blue colors. Prior to this, it was available in only two colors — Space Grey and White.

The new color models of the HomePod Mini can be purchased through Apple.com and through the Apple Store app in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. At select locations in the US and Canada, the company is also offering same-day pickup.

The new Apple HomePod Mini in multiple color options will also be made available in China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan. Soon after that, the company will expand the availability to Australia, Austria, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Spain, and the UK later this month.

Apple’s competitors in the smart speaker category, Google and Amazon with their Nest Mini and Echo Dot speakers, were already offering vibrant colors. While Google has Blue and Orange versions of Nest Mini, Amazon offers Echo Dot in Blue and some animal-themed designs aims at kids.

The HomePod Mini features a circular bowl-like design and is wrapped in mesh fabric. It emits sound in a 360-degree array and the company says that it combines amazing sound with the smarts of a voice assistant.

The device comes powered by an Apple S5 chipset which helps with computational audio. Two speakers can be connected to work together as stereo speakers, and they can also be used to send a message to the other speakers using a feature called Intercom. You can also use Intercom to send and receive messages on your other devices such as your iPhone, Apple Watch, CarPlay, and AirPods.

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As it has become difficult for Huawei to focus on the smartphone business because of the sanctions imposed by the United States, the Chinese giant has been focusing on other products. In line with that, the company has today launched the Huawei AI Speaker 2e, which is now available for purchase for 199 yuan (approximately $31).

The speaker comes in a pill-shaped design and woven mesh look. It comes with LED dot matrix lights that can show several different information on the speaker itself, including times, weather, temperature, and more.

The Huawei AI Speaker 2e has a row of buttons at the top with a yellow-colored button in the center for one-click communication while the other buttons on the speaker are for controlling the playback.

Internally, the device comes packed with a 2.5-inch 6W full-range speaker and a passive radiator for providing a strong bass effect and clear mid-to-high-frequency. There’s also a microphone, enabling users to use the speaker for communication.

Similar to several other recently launched Huawei products, this AI Speaker 2e is also powered by the company’s own HarmonyOS. This means that it can be connected to and networked with other mobile devices powered by the same system.

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Tomorrow, on 10th August, Xiaomi will be hosting a new launch event where it will be launching the next-generation Mi MIX series smartphone — Mi MIX 4. Along with that, the company has a bunch of other devices to launch, including a new Smart Speaker.

While most of the upcoming products have already been teased by the company, Xiaomi has now teased the new speaker. The teaser poster says that Xiaomi’s new “high-end smart speaker” is small in size but can offer powerful output.

Xiaomi adds that it is not just a speaker but a concert hall for the computer. As the poster already hints, the new smart speaker will be adopting a cylindrical design, similar to premium devices in the market, including Apple’s HomePod. It is also expected to have support for different lighting effects.

It appears that the new smart speaker will be a part of the Xiaomi Speaker series. It will support UWB wireless transmission and can also cooperate with the Mi MIX 4 smartphone for a hardware-level smart home setup, offering an IoT experience.

Previously, in a teaser post, Xiaomi had stated that its first high-end smart speaker will launch with a ‘symphony of technology and art.’ The product might be the L16A Smart Speaker, which was spotted on WiFi Alliance.

The listing of the L16A Smart Speaker does not reveal any key specifications but it does state that the upcoming high-end audio product from Xiaomi also arrives with dual-band Wi-Fi support. This implies that it will be able to connect with users’ smart homes and would likely be able to act as a control hub that lets users control other smart home products can via voice commands.

This is just speculation at this point to know for sure, we will have to wait a day longer for the official event to take place.

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Xiaomi has just announced earlier today (5th August 2021) that it will be launching its first high end smart speaker on 10th August 2021, along with the highly anticipated Mi MIX 4 smartphone.

The Chinese tech giant has just shared the news, stating that its first high end smart speaker will launch with a ‘symphony of technology and art.’ Furthermore, while the brand did make the announcement online, it has yet to reveal finer details or information about this audio based product. In other words, we have no idea what this smart speaker might look like or what its specifications are either at the moment.

Although, based on a recent leak, we can assume that this smart speaker might be the L16A Smart Speaker, which was spotted on WiFi Alliance. The listing on the website does not reveal any key specs but it does state that the upcoming high end audio product from Xiaomi also arrives with dual band WiFi support. This implies that it will be able to connect with users’ smart homes and would likely be able to act as a control hub that lets users control other smart home products can via voice commands. Keep in mind that this is still speculation so take it with a pinch of salt for now.

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Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Gen Speaker + Wipro 9W LED Smart Color Bulb is now available on Amazon India at a discounted price of ₹2299 under the Prime Exclusive Deals. This deal ends tomorrow. 

Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Gen Speaker 

Key Features:

• Bestselling smart speaker by Amazon
• Supports Voice Command
• Supports both English and Hindi language
• Hands-free music control
• Can be used as a standalone speaker: Stream millions of songs through Prime Music, Spotify, Jio Saavn, Apple Music, etc
• Connect with other speakers and headphones to enjoy your audio from your favorite devices
• Can be used as a Bluetooth speaker
• Supports Smart Home devices: Convert your lights and AC, TV, etc into smart devices by controlling them using Alexa Voice commands
• Voice makes everything simple: Just ask Alexa to easily pay your bills, get news, weather, cricket scores, nursery rhymes, and stories, purchase through Amazon, etc.
• Can be used as a timer and alarm

Wipro 9W LED Smart Color Bulb

Key Features:

• Control your smart bulb using the Alexa Voice command or through an APP
• Set a dedicated time to switch ON and OFF the bulb
• Enjoy endless lighting possibilities with 16 million color options
• Perfect for festivals, night outs, parties, romantic dates, and movie nights
• Energy-saving options by changing the brightness
• Works with just WiFi without a need for an additional hub

As a part of the Prime Exclusive Deals, you can now buy Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Gen Speaker + Wipro 9W LED Smart Color Bulb combo at a discounted price of ₹2299 only at Amazon India. Please note that this super deal ends tomorrow. So place your order asap. 

For more information on such exciting deals and offers check out our deals hub.

* Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

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The Lenovo Smart Clock was announced back in 2019 during CES. Last August, it was followed up with a cheaper model, the Lenovo Smart Clock Essential. Now, a successor called the Lenovo Smart Clock 2 has appeared on the manufacturer’s US website and it brings a new design and additional features.

We knew a successor was coming earlier this month when we spotted it on the Bluetooth SIG website. Now that it is here, we are pretty excited. Not only does the new alarm clock, which still doubles as a smart speaker, boast a new design, but it is also available in more colors.

The Lenovo Smart Clock 2 is taller now, as a bit more base has been added to it. The display is still angled and the body is wrapped in a soft-touch fabric that is available in gray, black, and blue. There are two buttons on top for controlling the volume, and at the bottom is a power jack and a microphone mute switch. Unfortunately, there is no longer a USB-A port on the back for charging your devices.

Lenovo has decided to make more money by moving that USB port to an optional wireless charging dock for the Smart Clock 2. What this means is that, if you still want to use the clock to charge your device, you will have to shell out extra cash for the dock. The dock also has a wireless charging pad with a maximum power output of 10W. Lenovo has also brought over the nightlight of the Lenovo Smart Clock Essential to the charging dock. The dock connects to the smart clock via pogo pins.

The Lenovo Smart Clock 2 still has a 4” LCD IPS Touchscreen but the resolution wasn’t stated. There is 1GB of RAM, a MediaTek MT8167S processor, and 8GB of built-in storage. Like we said above, the new smart clock is bigger and Lenovo has put that extra space to use with the addition of an extra 3W speaker for stereo sounds.

The Smart Clock 2 connects via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. It also has Bluetooth 4.2, a light sensor, and an accelerometer. The dimensions are given as 93.30mm x 113.48mm x 71.33mm while the weight is 298 grams.

Lenovo is yet to announce a price tag for the Smart Clock 2 as well as the charging dock. However, when it goes on sale, buyers will be able to purchase it in Abyss Blue, Heather Grey, or Shadow Black.

1 of 4

Just like the original, you have Google Assistant onboard and you can control your smart home devices, ask it questions, listen to podcasts, set reminders, and more. You should also be able to use it to make voice calls over Duo.

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Xiaomi has today launched the second-generation model of its Mi AI Speaker that comes with improved sound quality as well as improved Internet of Things (IoT) experience. It is available at a pre-sale price of 199 yuan, approximately $30.

Just like its predecessor, this new Mi AI Speaker comes equipped with six ring microphones and has support for Stereo Channel, allowing users to connect two speakers to get a surround sound experience.

It also supports combining multiple devices for playback in the whole house at the same time. The speaker also comes with a deeper low-frequency than the previous generation model. The inverted cabin design of the device also helps in improving the low-frequency effect. It also comes with a new sound algorithm that offers a wider dynamic range.

The official listing reveals that the Mi AI Speaker has support for the Xiaomi IoT platform that has access to more than 271 million smart devices and also has support for 89 IoT platforms, including Philips and Op. The device also supports XiaoAI and Mijia Smooth Connection, enabling one-click connect.

With a built-in Bluetooth Mesh Gateway, it can be connected to hundreds of Bluetooth devices such as Door Locks and Lights. Such devices can also be configured with the XiaoAI-based voice commands.

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Huawei partners with Leica for the cameras on its premium smartphones. Similarly, the company has partnered with French audiophiles Devialet for its speakers, resulting in last year’s Huawei Sound X.

Now, the China-based company has launched Huawei Sound, which is smaller than the Sound X in size but packs a four-speaker acoustic design and also offers a 360-degree ‘surround’ sound experience.

The speaker packs three full-range 5W drivers and a 4-inch 40W woofer. With Devialet’s Push-Push configuration, two passive radiators reinforce each other to counteract back wave vibrations and reduce distortion.

As per Huawei’s claims, the high-volume sessions at up to 90dB should offer distortion-less sound. It also supports several different sound settings which can be accessed through the Huawei AI Life app, including spatial sound.

It comes with Bluetooth LDAC for hi-res audio and auxiliary connections are included. It also supports a tap-to-transfer feature for sending from phone to speaker in an instant. However, the company has removed the voice assistant, so this is not a smart speaker in a traditional sense. This means that users can’t control playback with voice commands and the device can’t be used to control smart home devices.

The Huawei Sound is now available for purchase in the UK for a price of £199. Those who buy the device by 13th April will get £50 off as an early bird offer. With this launch in the UK, the Huawei Sound is now available in over 15 countries across the globe including China, Australia, Cambodia, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Russia, Spain, and Turkey.

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Smart Speaker is a market that is slowly booming in countries like India. Even as the market declines in bigger nations like China, a report by techARC shows that the shipments exceeded 1 million units for the first time in India.

According to the report, Q4 2020 is said to have contributed to 40% of the Smart Speaker shipments. Overall, it is occupied by giants like Amazon, Xiaomi, Google, and Apple. Among these, Amazon leads the market with a whopping 79% Market Share(by Vol. of Units).

You can take a look at the Top-5 Best-selling Smart Speakers(Descending Order – Units of Sales) below:

• Amazon Echo Dot(3rd Gen)
• Amazon Echo Dot(4th Gen)
• Google Home Mini
• Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker L09G
• Amazon Echo Dot(3rd Gen with Clock)

Amazon launched the Echo Dot(4th Gen) last year in September. It is currently retailing for ₹3,999 in India. Combined with Alexa, Echo Dot performs a variety of functions that is useful for consumers.

Report says that the US Giant will cement its position further in the under ₹5,000 segment despite competition from Chinese brands.

Speaking of which, Although Google is third on the list, Xiaomi has managed to outsell it and occupy second place in the overall market share by Value. If we recall, 2020 was the first year for Xiaomi to enter into the Smart Speaker category in India. It launched the Mi Smart Speaker for ₹3,499($48) in the country.

This price was well balanced compared to the Google Home Mini‘s launch price. Accordingly, the report says that Xiaomi manages to ship 75,000 units in the first year and captures 8% of the market share. Google, on the other hand, gets an 11% share in unit shipments but drops down to 7% in value.

Apple also had a share of its shipments with HomePod Mini dominating 84% of Apple’s 2% overall smart speaker shipments in 2020.

Looking forward, the smart speaker segment is said to grow further with a 35% YoY growth in the next 2-3 years. Watch out for the category below ₹5,000 as the competition is said to reach the next level by the arrival of other brands.

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(via)

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The smart speaker market in China saw a decline last year. The overall market fell by 8.6 percent year on year, out of which a significant part also includes the smart screen devices as well.

According to an IDC report, the sales volume for smart speakers in China reached 36.76 million units in 2020. Smart speakers with displays accounted for 35.5 percent of all units during the same time, which saw a 31 percent rise in sales year on year. The report added that the overall market decline was primarily due to the impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic along with “channel adjustments and limited application scenarios.”

During last year, the smart speaker market in China was still dominated by three major brands. Out of these, the competition was the most intense between Alibaba’s Tmall Genie and Baidu’s Xaiodu. In terms of annual sales, Alibaba edged ahead with its Tmall Genie. On the other hand, the fourth and final quarter saw Baidu win, through its collaboration with Pinduoduo in China. Furthermore, the market for smart speakers with displays had Baidu maintain the lead with a 63.4 percent market share.

These smart speakers are mainly designed to offer additional functionality and bring another level of interaction as well. At the moment, the smart speaker market in China is developing at a “rapid pace” as market education pushed by vendors help in better penetration of their products in the market. For 2021, IDC expects that the smart speaker market will see over 42 million units in shipments, marking a 14 percent year on year increase.

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Recently, Google Home Max got a huge $150 off during the company’s Black Friday sales. Now, after three years of launch, Google is discontinuing its powerful smart speaker.

As reported by Engadget(via XDA), Google says that it has sold the remaining units of the Google Home Max on its Google Store. If you recall, Google announced the Hi-Fi speaker with an AI support back in October 2017. Even to the present day, it remains on one of the powerful speakers with 2xTweeters, and 2xwoofers.

Anyway, Google says that existing users will get support for the speaker going forward. In fact, it says it is committed to deliver sound and home audio features for Assistant-enabled products. Hence, it will continue to offer software updates and security fixes to the Google Home Max.

In case you don’t know, Google’s Home is a bunch of products that fall under the smart speaker category. Launched back in 2016, the original Google Home has been succeeded by other iterations. Recently, the company announced a Nest Audio Smart speaker for $99 which is a spiritual successor to the Google Home.

EDITOR’S PICK: DxOMark Speaker: Google Nest Audio smart speaker scores 112; Yamaha MusicCast 50 scores 136

Having said that, the Google Home Max has 2×4.5-inch woofers and 2×0.7-inch custom tweeters. Measuring 13.2×7.4-inches(WxH), the stereo speaker weighs about 5.3kg. Besides, the speaker unit is covered inside an acoustic transparent fabric and polycarbonate body. It has 4xLED indicators, touch controls for volume, play/pause music, Assistant, and mic toggle.

The Google Home Max also has Smart Sound. It adapts to the environment and its position to throw audio accordingly. It supports audio over Bluetooth, and others like YouTube Music, Spotify, Pandora, and Google Play Music. You can also use the always-ready Google Assistant to control the speaker.

With the end of Google Home Max, the company is sending a message that it might kill the Home branding in the future and carry forward with Nest products. However, we will have to wait and see how Google’s Smart Audio products widen in the future.

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Last month, Apple had introduced HomePod Mini, a comparatively cheaper version of its HomePod smart speaker. Today, the tech giant has officially launched it in the Chinese market and is now up for pre-orders.

In China, the Apple HomePod Mini is available in two color options — Space Grey and White. It is priced at 749 yuan, which roughly converts to $114, and will start shipping to customers from 11th December — the same day it will be available in retail stores.

As for the design, the product has a globe-like body but has a flat base to keep it steady when placed on the surface. The top part is also flat and features a screen. The body is wrapped around with a mesh fabric, similar to what we have seen on Google’s Nest and Amazon’s Echo lineup of smart speakers.

Coming to the technical part, the device packs a single unit driver and two passive radiators, and an acoustic waveguide at the bottom. It is powered by an Apple S5 chip that is claimed to provide “computational audio.”

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It comes with an Intercom feature, which is quite similar to the Google Assistant’s Broadcast feature. So, when two HomePod Mini are placed near each other, they will get connected and will automatically work in Stereo mode.

The same Intercom feature can also be used as a walky-talky, allowing users to send voice messages to the other HomePod speakers in the house and the user at the other end will be able to reply. As with all other smart speakers, this one too can be used to control smart home devices as it works as a hub or controller.

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Earlier this year, Xiaomi-backed Redmi had launched its first touchscreen smart speaker, dubbed as Redmi XiaoAI Touchscreen Speaker 8. Today, the company has launched an upgraded variant of the same in China — Redmi XiaoAI Touchscreen Speaker Pro.

It features an 8-inch touchscreen display that can be used to watch videos and listen to songs, as well as can be linked with smart cameras and doorbells to view the video feed on the device to keep a check anytime.

EDITOR’S PICK: Redmi K30 Ultra Review: Excellent Value for Money but there’s Room for Improvement

Under the hood, the device comes with 2GB of RAM, ensuring smooth operations. There’s also support for dual-band Wi-Fi 2.4GHz + 5GHz. It is also being said that the device supports the Xiaomi Miaoxiang function which can offer smartphone touch music continuation, video call transfer, and other functions.

It is powered by a 4,700mAh battery which promises 4.5 hours of continuous usage on a single charge. The device also comes with support for tons of content providers, including Douyin, iQiyi, Youku, Tencent Video, and Bilibili, among others.

The Redmi XiaoAI Touchscreen Speaker Pro is priced at 499 yuan in China, which roughly converts to $73 and is set to go on sale from 9th September.

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Just a few days ago, Google announced the Pixel 4a smartphone. Now, a new leak has revealed we may be getting a new smart speaker this month too. The new speaker should launch under the Nest brand and it has an affordable price tag.

According to a tweet by Roland Quandt, the new Google (Nest) Home smart speaker with the codename “J2” will launch soon. The speaker will cost about €100 which is lesser than the launch price of the original Google Home.

There's a new Google Home launching soon codenamed "J2" and it's supposedly going to cost about 100 Euros. Available from the end of August, retail says.

— Roland Quandt (@rquandt) August 5, 2020

He adds that the smart speaker will be available from the end of August according to the info from retailers. When it launches, it will be available in Charcoal and Chalk.

This appears to be a different speaker from the one that leaked last month (pictured below) which is internally known as “prince”. So it seems we will be getting not one but two smart Nest Home smart speakers this year.

Google is also expected to launch a new streaming stick codenamed “Sabrina” which will bring a new Android TV interface. We are not sure if Google will announce all these smart products at the same time or if it will launch some alongside the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G later.

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It has been almost four years since the Google Home Smart Speaker was announced. Google’s smart speaker family has gotten larger following the launch of the Google Home with products like the Google Home Max, Google Home Mini, and the Nest Mini (Google Home Mini 2). New reports say there is another speaker coming soon and now we have our first look at the upcoming product.

The new speaker is being touted as a successor to the original and its images are from the Japanese Wireless Standards website. The speaker which will launch under the Nest brand is designed to stand upright on one of its sides (the silicone with the Google logo).

The speaker is wrapped in a similar chalk-colored fabric as Google’s other smart speakers. The back of the speaker is shown in the images. There is a mute button at the top and below it (closer to the bottom actually) is the Google “G” logo. At the bottom right corner is a hole for the power adapter.

The images also show the smart speaker will come with a 30W adapter with a barrel mouth plug and not a USB Type-C connector.

The smart speaker is referred to as an “interactive media streaming device” according to its documentation.  It is about 220mm in length, making it taller than the Google Home Max which stands at 220mm tall. It will also connect via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

There is no info on when the smart speaker will be announced but it should be available for purchase in time for the holidays.

UP NEXT: Xiaomi XiaoAI Portable Speaker launched in China for 49 yuan ($7)

(Source; Via)

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Xiaomi, which has already launched a few smart speakers in its home market China, has now launched yet another speaker — Xiaomi XiaoAI Portable Speaker. As the name indicates, it’s a compact portable speaker that can be easily carried around.

The speaker, which comes with the company’s own XiaoAI smart voice assistant, is priced at 49 yuan, which roughly converts to $7. It is now available for purchase through the company’s own Xiaomi Youpin website in China.

In terms of design, the new Xiaomi XiaoAI Portable Speaker comes in a compact square-shaped body that looks similar to the FM radio of earlier days. The white-colored product has rounded edges around the corner. The speaker is made up of ABS + PC material and has a USB Type-C port.

For connectivity, it comes with support for Bluetooth 5.0. There are just two buttons at the top of the speaker, along with a microphone — one for power and one for the mic. The XiaoAI smart assistant can be triggered just through a single voice command.

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The voice assistant can be used to schedule shutdown time for the speaker, as well as to get information about the connection status and power status. Additionally, it can also be connected to the smartphone for playing songs and audiobooks and controlling the playback using voice commands.

If you are using an MIUI-powered smartphone, then the speaker can be quickly connected through an automated pop-up window for Bluetooth connections. However, the feature is available only for the users of Mi 9 Pro, Mi 10, and Mi 10 Pro at the moment, and support for more devices is being added.

The device can be charged through a USB Type-C port which is placed at the back of the speaker. As per the company, the Xiaomi XiaoAI Portable Speaker should run for about six hours on a single charge.

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The Chinese smart speaker market has seen a drop in the first quarter of 2020. The reason is likely related to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, with sales mainly being dominated by the staple industry names like Xiaomi, Alibaba, and Baidu.

This news was revealed through a recent IDC report (a known analytics firm), which stated that 10.56 million smart speakers were shipped in China in Q1 2020. This marks a noticeable  year on year decline of 14.7 percent over 2019. According to IDC, the primary reason for such a shipment shrink is mainly due to the Coronavirus outbreak in the region, which caused many offline physical stores to be shut down.

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These stores have since opened up gradually, especially with restrictions being eased in late March and April. Within the trio, Alibaba claimed the top position in the market, securing 3.71 million Tmall Genie smart speakers during this period. This gave it a market share of 35.2 percent. Furthermore, the company is also planning on investing heavily in the development of artificial intelligence powered smart speakers to help it retain its current dominance.

Baidu arrived second with a market share of 30.9 percent and Xiaomi at the third spot with a close 30.4 percent market share. In other words, these three brands alone captured nearly 96 percent of the entire Chinese smart speaker market. The former has its success attributed to the touch screen speakers that it produces while the latter is another known brand with its various offerings ranging in price within this segment.

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(Via)

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After teasing it a few days ago, Xiaomi has today officially launched the XiaoAI Art Speaker in its home market. With this launch, it has become the first XiaoAI speaker from the company to come with a metal body.

It has a textured metal body design with 16 million color aurora light strips. The outer body has a matte fine stone pattern and comes with seamlessly integrated touch buttons. The device comes packed with a 2.5-inch full-range speaker.

EDITOR’S PICK: Xiaomi releases its Q1 2020 performance report and it is all positive!

There’s also a special paper carcass and voice coil and a U-shaped duct for bass enhancement, along with DTS professional sound tuning and Stereo 2.0 support. So, two of these can be connected together for a true stereo sound experience.

Thanks to the XiaoAI, this new smart speaker from the company can also be used to control more than 2000 smart devices using voice commands, which covers and supports more than 1,600 life skills.

For those who are unaware, XiaoAI is a smart AI-powered voice assistant from Xiaomi, similar to Apple Siri and Google Assistant, but it is built specially for Xiaomi and Redmi products and is currently limited to the Chinese market.

The Xiaomi XiaoAI Art Speaker is priced at 349 yuan (approximately $49) but will be available for purchase for 299 yuan from 25th May, which roughly coverts to $42.

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Recently, Xiaomi announced that the company will be launching a new smart speaker in its home country China on 21st May, without revealing any details about the upcoming product. Now, just a day before the official launch, the company has teased its build.

In a new teaser image shared by Xiaomi on its Weibo account, the company has confirmed that the upcoming XiaoAI Smart Speaker will come with a metal body. This will be the first time that a smart speaker from Xiaomi powered by XiaoAI will have a metallic body.

EDITOR’S PICK: Here’s the official list of MIUI 12 Global eligible / supported devices

It seems that the company is trying to place the product in the premium range witch such differentiating factor. This makes sense given that Xiaomi has tons of speaker products in the market, which mostly are in the same budget price bracket.

Along with teasing the upcoming smart speaker a few days ago, Xiaomi had also revealed a new milestone in terms of sales. The company had said that the sales of XiaoAI speakers have crossed the 22 million units mark.

While the company has revealed that the upcoming speaker will have metal body, nothing about the device in terms of specifications has been revealed and oddly, nothing has been leaked so far. However, the launch is just a few hours away so we don’t have to wait longer to know what it packs, how it’s priced and when it’ll be available for purchase.

For those who are unaware, XiaoAI is a smart AI-powered voice assistant from Xiaomi, similar to Apple Siri and Google Assistant, but it is built specially for Xiaomi and Redmi products and is currently limited to the Chinese market.

UP NEXT: Xiaomi’s Wi-Fi 6 supporting Mi Router AX1800 officially goes on sale in China for 299 yuan (approximately $46)

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Xiaomi, which already has launched number of speakers in its home market, is now set to launch yet another one in China on 21st May. The company has confirmed that the upcoming speaker will be powered by XiaoAI smart assistant.

Along with announcing the launch date for the next smart speaker from the company, Xiaomi has also revealed that the company has so far sold more than 22 million units of speakers powered by XiaoAI smart assistant.

EDITOR’S PICK: Huawei sold over 15 million 5G phones, grabs 33% global 5G smartphone market

As for the upcoming speaker, there’s currently no information available from the company nor has it been leaked online. However, the official launch is just a couple of days away so it’s not a long wait.

Previously, the company had launched the Redmi XiaoAI Speaker Play along with the Redmi K30 smartphone in China a few months ago. It is priced at 79 yuan (about $11) and comes in White, Blue, Green, and Pink colors.

The Redmi XiaoAI Speaker Play users the latest generation of Bluetooth Mesh gateway which makes it a good option for controlling smart home products such as smart door locks and light bulbs.

It also comes with built-in third-generation “small love classmates” to support Little Love Male Voice. The speaker also has a new self-developed voiceprint recognition which listen to sound and with time, understands the user better.

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Huawei has recently filed a new design patent for a new smart speaker. The patent was filed at the World Intellectual Property Organization on 2nd February 2020, which was finally published on 9th April 2020.

The designs reveal images of a speaker that has an oval design with a top portion that raises. Looking at the images, the front side houses buttons for the power, volume up and down, Bluetooth and a circular button which may be used to change tracks. The USB port can be found on the left for charging and the device may also support a microSD card slot in the same region.

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The overall design of the Huawei smart speaker is interesting, and it could also support Celia voice assistant. Notably, this voice assistant was also found in the Huawei P40 series, meaning the speaker could feature other smart features as well. Unfortunately, finer details at this point are unknown, so we can’t provide any concrete statements either.

Furthermore, at the moment, it is also unclear if Huawei will actually launch such a product since its still in the early stages. The Chinese tech giant might just be covering all bases. However, considering the detailed images, the company might have already started work on it. It could also be an affordable smart speaker device from Huawei.

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A couple of weeks ago, along with the launch of Huawei P40 series flagship smartphones, the company also launched the Huawei Sound X speaker, which is jointly developed with Devialet, with an aim to revolutionize high-end acoustic technology with sonorous audio.

Now, the company has announced a new variant of the device, called Huawei Sound X Platinum Edition. Instead of the black color option, this one comes with White and Grey outer casing with a Golden hue inside.

It is said that the golden speakers produce a kaleidoscopic effect according to the rhythm of the notes, with brightness, texture and color saturation, while interpreting the eternal state of music.

The high-end Hi-Res smart speaker comes with two woofers which are equipped with 60W peak power and vibration amplitude of up to 20mm. The innovative, visible bass unit creates a lasting visual impression to pair with the resonance of the audio.

The speaker provides lossless, low-latency audio which can be further bolstered by a proprietary EMUI 10.1 multi-device control panel. This is Huawei’s equivalent of Apple’s AirPlay and is only available on the Huawei P40 as it is the only model running EMUI 10.1.

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It also comes with the Huawei Share function, saving users the hassle of waiting for a wireless or Bluetooth connection to establish. Users can simply tap their phone’s NFC area against the Sound X, and the speaker will begin to play without delay.

The device also comes with background noise suppression giving listeners a distortion-free sound even at maximum volume levels as well as low-pitched vibrations that can literally be felt in the listener’s bones. It packs Devialet‘s patented signal-processing SAM® (Speaker Active Matching) technology, and iconic Push-Push symmetrical structure.

Huawei Sound X Platinum Edition is currently up for pre-orders on Huawei Mall, Tmall, JD.com, and Suning Tesco. While it is priced at 1,999 yuan (~$283), the company is offering a 300 yuan (~$42) discount for those who pre-order.

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Xiaomi has many times been accused of copying Apple’s design and it seems that the company has no issues with this. Xiaomi has patented a new smart speaker which looks very similar to the Apple HomePod.

The patent has been published on the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) website and the included schematics for the smart speaker with a cylindrical design looks awfully similar to the Apple HomePod.

It suggests that the smart speaker will come with a 360-degree sound output and could include a touch-sensitive surface area which will enabled users to interact with the device even when voice commands don’t work.

The upper part of the speaker may include a circular disc-like surface that could offer two things — Mini OLED display for showing connectivity status, volume, etc. or touch-sensitive surface for gesture-based controls. Which one of this will be adopted by Xiaomi has not been confirmed yet.

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However, it seems more likely that the top part of the Xiaomi Smart Speaker will include a touch-based control system given that there are no control buttons on the device. While smart speakers are powered by voice assistants, they also come with physical buttons to control various aspects of the device.

If the device is limited to the Chinese market only, then we expect Xiaomi to use its own XiaoAI smart assistant. But, if the company has plans to make it available in other regions as well, then we expect the company to use Google Assistant or Amazon’s Alexa. It will be interesting to see which one of these gets picked up by Xiaomi.

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Today, OPPO has teased the launch of its new product in its home market China. The poster confirms that the device will be unveiled on 7th April, i.e. tomorrow.

While the company has not revealed what product it plans to launch in China tomorrow, the poster shared for the announcement shows a black-colored circular device, which is similar to the Google Home Mini.

This hints that the device could be a smart speaker from OPPO, powered by Breeno which is the company’s own smart voice assistant. Another possibility is that the device is a new true-wireless earbuds from OPPO and the teaser image showcases its charging case.

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However, given that the company has already launched a TWS earbuds, there’s higher possibility that the device in question is the Breeno Smart Speaker from OPPO. But there were also reports suggesting that the company could launch a new wireless earbuds with noise cancelling in mid-March.

To know for sure what the company has up its sleeves, we’ll have to wait for a few more hours for the company to make official announcement.

OPPO seems to be focusing on launching audio products from some time with an aim to expand its product offerings, apart from smartphones. The company has recently launched OPPO Enco Free TWS earbuds and OPPO Q1 wireless noise cancelling headphones.

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Huawei has just announced a new consumer grade electronic product which will take on Apple in another category in the global market. The newly unveiled speakers are dubbed the Sound X and will rival Apple’s HomePods.

Sound X

Huawei co-engineered the Sound X speakers with a French audio firm named Devialet. The latter is well known for its innovative and high end speaker systems. Thus, the Sound X arrives with a few of the features and technology behind Devialet’s other products. The Huawei Sound X has been designed with a 60W dual woofer system, which utilizes Devialet’s signature “Push-Push” technology that is capable of canceling out vibrations, while still offering powerful bass when music is being played.

Interestingly, Huawei has claimed that one can put a glass of water on top of the speakers and will remain perfectly still, even if you can see the woofers vibrate when music is being played. However, if at all it is possible remains to be actually seen, but buyers are advised against trying it out. The mesh grille surrounds the sides of the Sound X speakers are are “stain and splash resistant” according to official notes, although an official IPX rating has not been confirmed by Huawei.

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Design

In terms of design, the Huawei Sound X resembles the Apple HomePod to a certain degree. It features a colorful LED display at the top and has a black circular/ovoid body with that is covered by the wraparound speaker grille. Furthermore, one can connect to the speaker with NFC OneHop audio sharing, which allows for pairing with a smartphone in just a single touch. Similarly, another notable feature is the gesture controls, enabling muting of the speaker by just holding your hand on top of the Sound X.

Huawei has stated that the new smart speaker is capable of delivering audio at 360 degree plane, meaning it delivers sound in every angle and is capable of adjusting the profile according to the position where it is placed. In other words, it can fine tune audio based on whether it is situated in the middle of the room or up against a wall and with a frequency range of up to 40kHz.

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Samsung is apparently working on a new speaker that also features a unique rollable display. The South Korean tech giant has patented designs for the unique speaker in the Korean Intellectual Property office.

According to the patent, the Samsung speaker’s schematics can be observed. The gadget features a flexible display unit that can cover the cylindrical shaped speaker’s entire surface except for the woofer at the top. The display can also be unfurled and be used at a 180 degree angle. In other words, it can be unrolled and straightened, probably to provide a better viewing experience.

The rollable display is supported from the back through a hinge mechanism although it is unclear if the unfolding method is mechanized and automated or require user input. Unfortunately, finer details regarding the speaker like its specifications and display resolution have not been detailed in the patent. But, it might be a smart speaker and arrive with Samsung’s Bixby voice assistant.

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Smart speakers, on some occasions, arrive with displays for added touch input or viewing visual content. Hence, this could be Samsung’s idea of providing a better viewing experience coupled with a more portable and compact form factor. Meaning, users will have an easier time carrying it around and could also serve as a great mobile entertainment unit with greater visual and audio output.

As of right now, Samsung has yet to have any commercially available smart speakers. Its Galaxy Home has already been delayed for about two years but the Galaxy Home Mini is expected to arrive after the Unpacked event, on 12th February 2020. While the patent might imply that Samsung could look into launching a product with this particular design, the company has yet to confirm its development or possibly a future launch.

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