Harman’s AI Speakers
Harman, an electronics and audio specialist acquired by Samsung Electronics earlier this year, unveiled two AI speakers at the IFA 2017 in Berlin, Germany.
Harman Kardon’s Allure is loaded with Amazon's Alexa voice assistant service and JBL’s Link is with Google Assistant.
While listening to music through the speakers, a user calls an AI secretary when necessary and says to the speakers, “Scale down the intensity of the light", "play me a TV drama" and "set the room temperature at 22 degrees,” then the related appliances immediately start to function in accordance with voice commands.
In particular, the Allure has 360 degree non-directional characteristics and a subwoofer to let users enjoy superior sound quality in all directions, and also has a lighting function. The Link is loaded with Chromecast so is capable of streaming high definition music.
Harman is also offering a portable speaker “Boombox” with a 20,000 mAh battery that can play music 24 hours a day with powerful sound along with the JBL E Series which reduce external noises and JR300 Headphone.
Harman, which opened a booth about 2,000 square meters at the Berlin Radio Tower, displayed products such as smart audio devices, headphones, connected home devices, and aftermarket car audio products under the theme of Connected Life.
"The combination of Harman and Samsung is a perfect fit," said Michael Mauger, president of Harman's Lifestyle Audio Division. "Harman's expertise in audio, sound control technology and specialties in electronic auto devices are expected to generate great synergies by meeting Samsung's strengths in mobile, audio-visual, AI and semiconductor sectors."