Today LG launched its first smart display with Google Assistant built-in, which is now available in U.S. retailers with a price tag of US$299, but a Black Friday special is now in effect, so holiday shoppers can get it for US$199.
Today LG launched its first smart display with Google Assistant built-in, which is now available in U.S. retailers with a price tag of US$299, but a Black Friday special is now in effect, so holiday shoppers can get it for US$199.
The LG AI Smart Display is a home entertainment device that offers “all of the smart capabilities that come with the Google Assistant,” LG says in a statement.
The smart home device has the official name of XBOOM AI ThinQ WK9. One of its main features is Meridian Audio to deliver high-fidelity sound, precise vocal definition and accurate bass, the company says.
The smart display offers “a great package of features to those who don't want to sacrifice audio or video quality in a smart home device,” says Tim Alessi, head of product marketing at LG Electronics USA.
Equipped with a front-facing camera for video conferencing and two 20W speakers tuned by Meridian Audio, the device offers clear audio and with an 8-inch touch display.
Consumers can access various Google resources like YouTube, Google Maps and Photos on the screen. For example, they can issue a voice command like “Hey Google, show me photos of my Christmas last year.”
Users may also ask the Google Assistant for recipes, videos, weather, among other things. On the display they may follow step-by-step recipe instructions, pull up how-to videos on YouTube or manage shopping list.
The LG Smart Display lets users control other LG ThinQ products such as TVs, refrigerators, dryers, air conditioners, etc.
The device also works with more than 10,000 Google Assistant-enabled smart home devices – such as smart thermostat, lights and plugs – from over 1,000 brands. If connected to a smart camera, for example, the LG Smart Display can broadcast live video feed.
LG Smart Display’s price tag is steep, however, compared with the similar US$200 Lenovo Smart Display and Google’s own US$150 Home Hub.