JBL’s Self-Tuning Speaker Can Activate Two Home Assistants At The Same Time

JBL has unveiled its latest offering, the ‘Authentics’ series, comprising three interconnected speakers that blend classic design with contemporary technology. These speakers come equipped with a range of notable features, including multi-room audio support and automatic self-tuning. They offer versatile connectivity options with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet compatibility.

The flagship model in this lineup takes audio to the next level with its inclusion of Dolby Atmos immersive sound, ensuring an enriched audio experience that envelops the listener.

Probably the most interesting aspect of the Authentics series is its capability to operate both Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa concurrently. Overall, this helps in reducing the number of devices and speakers you have set up around your house.

“We’re thrilled to collaborate on the first simultaneous Google Assistant and Alexa speaker,” said Duke Dukellis, Google’s director of Google Assistant. He continued, “so that users have the choice to engage with whichever voice assistant they’d like.”

“Amazon has long supported giving customers the freedom and convenience to use multiple assistants on a single device with our Voice Interoperability Initiative,” said Aaron Rubenson, Amazon’s vice president of Alexa. “We’re delighted to make Alexa simultaneously available with Google Assistant on the new JBL Authentics speakers.”

Users can make use of this “freedom and convenience” by simply calling out “Alexa” or “Hey Google” to pull up each respective voice assistant.

The design of these speakers draws inspiration from the classic L100 by JBL from the 1970s. They showcase a distinct grid-patterned Quadrex grille and a frame encased in leather-wrapped aluminum, exuding a nostalgic appeal.

The Authentics 500 model boasts an impressive configuration, featuring three one-inch tweeters, three 2.75-inch mid-range woofers, and a solitary 6.5-inch downfiring subwoofer. This driver arrangement, as explained by the company, produces “crystal clear sound” coupled with “precise, punchy bass.” It is also the only one in the range to support Dolby Atmos. And, being the largest and most advanced option in the lineup, it comes with a corresponding price tag of US$700.

The Authentics 300, priced at US$430, is a portable option, offering 360-degree audio and featuring a user-replaceable battery that provides eight hours of listening time. Its built-in handle enhances portability, while its promise of “distinctive highs and deep bass” is enticing.

On the other hand, the Authentics 200, priced at US$330, features two one-inch tweeters, a five-inch woofer, and a six-inch passive radiator. JBL claims that this model can deliver stereo sound that fills any space, offering deep bass and balanced audio across music genres.

All three Authentics speakers will be available in classic black starting September 17. Moreover, all three are fully compatible with the JBL One app, offering users music service synchronization, customizable EQ settings, and a host of other adjustments.

You can find all of them online on JBL’s site.

[via Engadget and Digital Trends, images via Amazon]