Skip to main content

JBL’s Android TV soundbar with Google Assistant gets spring release date

JBL’s Android TV soundbar with Google Assistant gets spring release date

/

The soundbar hybrid is almost here

Share this story

If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

Photo by Dieter Bohn / The Verge

JBL has confirmed that its Link Bar will finally be released this spring. The Android-powered soundbar was first announced all the way back in May 2018 at Google I/O. It was originally planned for an October release, but unknown delays pushed this date back.

Although it has the form factor of a soundbar, the Link Bar also offers the functionality of both an Android TV set-top box as well as a Google Assistant smart speaker. What this means is that the soundbar can accept voice commands like a Google Home, and then display content directly onto your TV like a set-top box. It is even able to overlay certain information on top of your TV content, such as your Google Calendar appointments. Of course, it should also offer a pretty decent upgrade over the built-in speakers in your TV.

The JBL Link bar will cost $399.95 when it launches in spring 2019. There’ll also be a separate subwoofer available, which is set to cost $299.95.