HARMAN has been busy and has just announced a slew of new Google and Amazon Alexa speakers, amongst other gear. It’s looking like 2017 is shaping up to be the year of the digital assistant speakers. Google already announced more devices will integrate Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa has been popping up everywhere. HARMAN is taking full advantage of both Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa. Let’s kick this post off with what those two specific offerings followed by the rest of what HARMAN announced and follow up with other offerings from HARMAN and JBL.
Harman Kardon Allure
An intelligent speaker, powered by Amazon Alexa Voice, complements any home space with its rich 360-degree sound and beautiful, sleek design. The Allure pairs Harman Kardon’s refined and powerful audio performance with Amazon Alexa’s intuitive voice technology. Music lovers will enjoy a unique experience around the home, with the ability to ask questions, play music, read the news, make purchases from Amazon Prime and more, through the sound of their voice. Alexa’s proprietary far-field voice technology allows the speaker to hear commands from a far and adapts to speech patterns, vocabulary, and personal preferences.
Available Winter 2017 with an MSRP of $249.95USD. Read the full press release.
JBL Link
The first portable Bluetooth-enabled speakers to merge JBL’s Signature Sound with Google Assistant, JBL LINK gives users rich, full-range sound and instant access to their favorite music with the control of their voice. Available in three models, the LINK 10, LINK 20 and LINK 300, the speakers provide a powerful listening experience, featuring high-definition music streaming and built-in Chromecast, elevating the overall music listening experience. In addition to controlling music by voice, Google Assistant manages other smart, connected devices through the LINK, allowing users to dim the lights or stream Netflix to a TV. The LINK 10 and 20 are equipped with waterproof technology and provide up to 5 and 8 hours of battery life respectively for a personalized experience inside or outdoors. The LINK 300 creates an immersive experience, with bigger sound, filling even the largest of rooms. To enhance the multi-room experience, LINK speakers can be synced together to create an epic listening experience with rich, elevated sound.
Available Fall 2017 in black or white: JBL LINK 10 $149USD, JBL LINK 20 $199USD, JBL LINK 300 $249USD. Read the full press release.
JBL Boombox
We already caught wind of the JBL Boombox after it won an EISA Award earlier this month. The newest and biggest member of JBL’s portable speaker family, JBL Boombox, packs a serious punch with superior sound quality and Bluetooth streaming capabilities. Equipped with four active transducers and two bass radiators, this portable speaker combines deep and rich sound with powerful bass. With IPX7 waterproof durability and 24 hours of battery life, the Boombox brings new meaning to “party around-the-clock,” whether poolside, hitting the beach, or looking to withstand the toughest of weather conditions. Using JBL Connect+, the speaker can easily connect to other JBL Connect+-enabled speakers, amplifying the listening experience.
Available in Fall 2017 in black for $449.95USD. Read the full press release.
JBL BAR Series
A line of high-performance soundbars with a slender and sleek design, the newest BAR Series from JBL delivers an exceptional Bluetooth streaming experience while delivering superior, JBL Signature Sound. Available in four models, the BAR STUDIO, BAR 2.1, BAR 3.1, and the BAR 5.1, the JBL BAR series provides users options to fit any entertaining environment. The JBL BAR STUDIO is the perfect option for that person looking for an entry level soundsystem, ideal for smaller rooms, while still providing exceptional sound and music streaming capabilities. The BAR 5.1 encompasses a larger surround system, featuring two battery-powered, wireless speakers with ten hours of battery life, perfect for any movie marathon.
Available Fall 2017 in Gunmental: BAR Studio $149.95USD, BAR 2.1 $299.95, BAR 3.1 $499.95, BAR 5.1 $699.95. Read the full press release.
JBL Reflect FIT
The latest addition to the popular JBL Reflect line-up, JBL Reflect Fit Bluetooth headphone features in-ear heart rate monitoring and provides spoken, on demand heart rate updates with a simple press of the button. It’s also compatible with the most popular fitness apps so athletes can access all of their workout stats in one place. JBL Reflect Fit is designed with IPX-5 sweat proof material and a reflective cable for comfortable and safe workouts. With a battery life of up to 10 hours, athletes can power through multiple workouts before having to recharge. It also features a microphone for crystal clear calls and a vibration alert to let athletes know of incoming calls while at the gym or on-the-go.
Available Fall 2017 in colors black, teal, blue, and red with an MSRP of $149.95USD. Read the full press release.
JBL Free
JBL’s first truly wireless headphones are built for all day, all occasion wear and equipped with JBL Signature Sound for superior audio. Equipped with Bluetooth technology, users can either take a call with just one earbud for mono sound and still keep an ear open while at work or out and about, or use both for stereo sound to power through an intense workout at the gym. Additional features include 24 hours of continuous playback time, a charging case, comfort-fit ergonomics and sweat- and water-resistant materials.
Available Fall 2017 in colors black and white for $149.95USD. Read the full press release.
JBL E65BTNC
The newest addition to the E-series line, the over-ear, Bluetooth-enabled JBL E65BTNC provides exceptional active noise-cancelling technology to reduce outside noise and give listeners a more immersive sound experience. Whether on-the-go, in the office, or at home, the JBL E65BTNC complements music lovers’ everyday lifestyle. A sleek, stylish design combines comfort and fashion, creating a visual statement as striking as its sound. Engineered with JBL’s Signature Sound, the headphone offers superior bass and high quality audio at an affordable price point.
Available Fall 2017 in colors black, white, and stone blue for $199.95USD. Read the full press release.
JBL JR
JBL’s first line of kids’ headphones, JBL Jr, includes both wired and wireless models specifically designed for children ages three to ten. JBL Jr is built with JBL’s Pure Bass sound and fine-tuned for lower sound pressure levels with the JBL Safe Sound feature, so children can safely indulge their passion for music, movies and video games. Cleverly designed 3D axis rotation ear cups automatically adjust to children’s ear sizes to create a perfect seal. This, in combination with the premium and flexible ear cushions, provides a high level of Passive Noise Cancellation so kids don’t have to strain their hearing when listening to audio in noisy environments, like airplanes. The flagship headphones, JBL JR300BT, connect to smart devices through Bluetooth technology, enabling kids to have a hands-free experience throughout their day, no matter the activity. The quick charge feature gives the JBL JR300BT an hour of playback after just ten minutes of charging, providing more flexibility and convenience for busy parents.
Available Fall 2017: JBL JR300BT $49.95USD, colors: Punky Pink, Rocker Blue, and Tropic Teal. BL JR300 $24.95, colors: Spider Red and Ice Blue. Read the full press release.
What do you think about the newest HARMAN and JBL audio products? Let us know in the comments below or on Google+, Twitter, or Facebook.
Last Updated on December 26, 2019.
