LG has just unveiled a new line of audio-focused products, among them are soundbars, a Bluetooth speaker, and perhaps most surprisingly, a smart speaker powered by Google Assistant.
LG Debuts ThinQ Smart Speaker
The LG ThinQ was unveiled ahead of LG's conference at CES this coming January. The company worked with Google to create the so-called premium speaker that it boasts as a voice-enabled interface for LG's smart home appliances. It's able to control a handful of devices, including LG's own ThinQ smart home line, which includes door locks, smart lamps, and a ton of others.
But this isn't the first smart speaker to come from LG. Last year, it released a device called the SmartThinQ Hub, which unlike the new ThinQ speaker, was powered by Amazon Alexa.
Still, that wasn't a proper smart speaker because it had a number of limitations. For instance, the experience of using Alexa on the device was not as smooth as, say, on an Echo device. But it was primarily a hub for LG's smart home ecosystem, and the ThinQ speaker continues that principle, albeit with a new digital assistant baked in.
Other details about the ThinQ speaker are thin, but LG says its newly announced audio products target users who value premium sound and smart capabilities.
"Our latest lineup of audio products has been designed for those listeners who value premium sound with smart-enabled capabilities, and demonstrates how LG continues to push the boundaries on how people enjoy music and movies," said Tim Alessi, LG's product marketing boss.
LG Unveils High-Fidelity Audio Lineup
For its new audio products, LG partnered with Meridian Audio, a well-known manufacturer of high-quality, high-fidelity audio devices. The lineup includes a Dolby Atmos-powered soundbar, portable PK series speakers that boast "premium sound and mood lighting," and an all-in-one speaker with powerful audio capabilities that are meant for louder, rowdier events.
LG says the public will be able to check out all of its newly announced audio products at its own booth at CES, happening Jan. 9 to 12 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
LG hasn't indicated a price point nor a release date for the ThinQ smart speaker, much less the other products. Details about specs are unavailable as of this time as well. But there might be new information once CES rolls around.
Thoughts about LG's new audio lineup? Do you think its ThinQ smart speaker will be any good? As always, feel free to sound off in the comments section below!