Whether you need to stream music or quiz your digital assistant about the weather or on random trivia, smart speakers are the way to go. We bring you a list of 5 smart speakers you can add to your room.
Apple HomePod Mini: Don’t let its size fool you; the smallest member of the HomePod family, this smart speaker is just 3.3-inches tall but it packs a serious punch. The Apple S5 chip in the HomePod Mini smart speaker works with advanced software to analyse the unique characteristics of the music and apply complex tuning models. This chip optimises loudness, adjusts the dynamic range, and controls the movement of the driver and passive radiators in real-time.
You can create a stereo pair by placing two HomePod mini speakers in the same room for a wide soundstage. Thanks to Siri, you get deep iPhone integration that gives you the freedom to perform a whole host of tasks. (Rs 9,900)
Amazon Echo Show 10: It has a smart display but it can knock out most smart speakers with its stellar sound. The design language borders on quirky—a tab mounted on a smart speaker—but it’s super functional. Colours are vivid on the large 10.1-inch display (1280×800 pixels), and we also approve of the adaptive brightness feature.
With two 1-inch, front-firing tweeters and a 3-inch woofer, the Echo Show 10 delivers incredible audio and can double as a party accessory. Aside from Alexa’s improved skills and growing intelligence, the Echo Show’s coolest trick is how it keeps up with you using its AI-controlled swivel movements up to 350 degrees. (Rs 24,999)
Google Nest Mini: The second-gen Mini, Google’s diminutive smart speaker is a good option if you’re looking to test the waters. It might remind you of its predecessor (the Google Home Mini) but takes a big leap with its improved sound performance. What’s comforting is that the entire fabric covering on the Nest Mini is crafted with 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, while the external enclosure is made with 35 percent post-consumer recycled plastic.
This one’s a great option for first-time smart speaker buyers and for smart homes with multiple smart speakers. (Rs 3,350)
Mi Smart Speaker: Kitted with a Texas Instruments sound processor for low distortion audio, the Mi device features a 12W speaker with 63.5mm sound driver that covers a wide range. This budget speaker delivers crisp and distortion-free sound owing to the DTS professional tuning.
You can control the Mi Smart Speaker from any corner of the room thanks to its 2 intelligent far-field mics. Google Assistant is baked in, and you also get a 1-year free Gaana Plus subscription. (Rs 3,999)
Harmon Kardon Allure Portable: Powered by Amazon Alexa, this Harmon Kardon speaker features a built-in, 2-microphone with noise cancellation technology that allows Alexa to respond to your voice from across the room. Taking it around with you is easier as it gets a lithium-ion battery that supports up to 10 hours of playtime.
The box comes with a charging cradle, eliminating the need for messy wires. Acoustics are impressive with an immersive, 360-degree sound. (Rs 13,999)