"Smart" speakers: features, model rating and tips for choosing

"Smart" speakers are supplemented with voice assistants, due to which they become more functional than their counterparts. The presence of an assistant allows you to control the device using your voice. Also, smart speakers can be part of a smart home system. There are quite a few high-quality models on the market that have already met the expectations of users.

The smart speaker is a fairly new and growing product in the audio device market. In the first place for smart models, not sound quality, but additional functionality... Home models are equipped with voice assistants that can execute various user commands. The body has microphones for speech recognition. The column can become part of the smart home system.

Each voice assistant is unique and has its own set of functions. Most of the speaker's capabilities depend on the assistant.

Speaking acoustics can not only reproduce sounds and answer questions. The "smart" speaker allows you to control the components of a smart home.

Comparison of popular models gives an understanding that there are quality products in different price segments. Models with voice assistant Alice are completely Russian-speaking. Others understand English commands much better.

The compact model got a good sound. Amazon Echo Dot 3nd Gen with Alexa voice assistant can be paired with other devices and control your smart home. It should be noted that the column works and recognizes commands in English... The device has a lot of useful functionality, but not all of it is available outside America and Europe.

The column received one full-range speaker and 4 microphones. There are audio and headphone jacks. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is used for wireless connection. It is worth noting that the device operates on mains power.

The main advantages of the model.

1. Sound quality... Reproduction is clear for a speaker of this size. Low frequencies are not of the best quality due to the lack of a subwoofer.
2. Voice Assistant can be an element of a "smart" home, control music playback and much more. The assistant is quite multifunctional.
3. Dimensions and ergonomics... The column is small and light, which adds to its mobility. The model can be suspended from a socket using a special mount. There are 4 control keys on the body. In addition, you can use your voice and smartphone.
4. Attractive design... The design of the model is thoughtful. The textile cover is of high quality. The decor uses classic shades. The LED ring light adds to the appeal.

Interestingly, using the speaker, you can answer phone calls from your smartphone and send messages. Cons of the model.

• Some functional limitations outside the USA and Europe... The device received music services that are not popular in Russia, and some of them cannot be configured at all here. And the voice assistant only understands commands in English. It is worth noting that even Alex's imperfect pronunciation is recognized.
• Limited smartphone control... Quite a controversial point, because the main emphasis is on voice commands.You can regulate music playback from your phone, but you won't be able to search for it on various resources.

"Smart" speaker in Russian from a domestic manufacturer. Voice assistant Alice is a distinctive feature of the model. The speaker sounds pretty mediocre... The low frequencies are not coarse, but the mids sometimes completely fall out of the sound.

Initially, the first models were independent gadgets, but the new generation can be part of a smart home. The model is equipped with 5 speakers with a total power of 50 watts and 7 microphones. The users have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and HDMI 1.4 at their disposal. The set includes the speaker itself, a network cable and an HDMI cable, a subscription.

The main advantages.

• Alice can answer simple questions, control music and more. Updates are constantly coming, which expand the range of possibilities. The voice assistant makes your daily routine a lot easier.
• Alisa is the only Russian-speaking voice assistant. The assistant has a rather wayward personality. Some users even complain that Alice is often cocky.
• Can be connected to TV via HDMI. In this case, the "smart" column will help you search for content. The only drawback of this option is that the sound is output through the device. You cannot use the column only as a media player.
• The ability to use a wireless connection via Bluetooth.
• Works equally well with smartphones running Android and iOS.
• It is possible to control other "smart" devices through the speaker.
• The ratio of cost and functionality. This column is the best if you need an assistant in Russian. There are also louder devices with Alice. However, they receive updates less often.

And there are free subscriptions in the kit, which is also an advantage. The main disadvantages of the model.

• Registration... Quite a subjective factor, but the design is still simple. True, you can take a speaker in a bright case, which looks more interesting.
• Sound... If you make the volume higher than average, then wheezing is heard when playing some music and Alice recognizes commands worse. Low volume is often not enough. It is worth noting that the speaker sounds better than most TVs, which is already pretty good.
• Microphones... Alice already hears and understands the user well, but not always. When the volume of the speakers themselves is high, the sensitivity of the microphones decreases.
• Multiple columns cannot be combined into the system.
• The back of the speaker heats up during use... This should be taken into account when choosing a location.

Many users believe that the "smart" speaker from the American manufacturer is the best in its price segment. The model has a nice design, good sounding and can be used in the HomeKit smart home system. The column has a voice assistant Siri.

The column received 8 speakers and 6 microphones. There is support for AirPlay and Wi-Fi MIMO. For control, you can use the touch panel on the speaker itself.

The main advantages of the model.

• Sound... There is no obvious accent at low frequencies, the sound is rather soft and clear. The speaker can be used to watch TV or listen to music. For better quality, you can buy a second one and make a stereo pair.
• Design and assembly... The column looks sophisticated and attractive, there is nothing superfluous in its design. In the best traditions of Apple, high quality materials are used. Separately, it should be noted that the network cable is made to last.
• Functional... Using microphones and speakers, the smart speaker analyzes the geometry of the room. Based on the received data, the device produces sound as evenly as possible. With an Apple account, you can listen to music directly through the speaker, without the need for additional gadgets.The model can be used as a hub for a smart home, which allows you to control locks, TVs and much more.
• Simple and quick setup... It is enough to define the speaker on the iPhone and select a couple of parameters.

Even such a high-quality technique can hardly be perfect.

Its main disadvantages.

• Exclusively compatible with Apple's ecosystem... Components of a "smart" home can be of any production. However, all settings are made exclusively via iOS. It should be noted that MacBooks and other gadgets are not suitable for this.
• Siri... Many voice assistant options are not available in the CIS. It is better to give commands in English, with the understanding of Russian the assistant has a problem.
• Price... Apple's overpriced technology is not surprising. However, it should be borne in mind that in Russia it is unlikely that you will be able to enjoy the full functionality.

The small model is distinguished by high-quality sound for its size. The column is designed for Google smart home. There is a small touch panel with narrow functionality. The voice assistant Google Assistant is provided for control. The assistant does not yet understand Russian, although such an option is already in development.

The main advantages of the model.

• Functional... The voice assistant is quite sophisticated and sophisticated. It is possible to customize actions for short commands. Google Assistant is used to control smart home.
• Registration... Laconic yet stylish design.
• Dimensions (edit)... Small and lightweight speaker. You can install it anywhere.
• Value for money... The model is really worth the money. A functional assistant combined with a pleasant sound. It should be noted that the playback is not loud, but the low frequencies are quite good.
• Support for various gadgets... The speaker can be used both with Android gadgets and with iOS smartphones.

"Smart" speakers cannot be connected with each other, it should be taken into account.

The main disadvantages of the model.

• No Russian language support... True, this option is being tested and sometimes even turned on for several days. It is worth noting that almost all the functionality works in Russia, albeit in English.
• Unable to replace the music speaker... The sound is good, but most of the music genres are not very well reproduced.
• Bluetooth is not provided... You cannot directly listen to music from a smartphone.

The smart speaker looks compact and stylish. The device can work without recharging for 8 hours, which is quite interesting. This is one of the few smart speakers with a rechargeable battery. The built-in speakers reproduce music in most genres quite well. Sound quality not only indoors, but also outdoors.

You can use a wireless connection via Bluetooth. Additionally, there is a 3.5 mm jack. The model can work together with smartphones, TVs and other gadgets. The device can make reminders, act as an alarm clock, tell about the weather, and much more.

Its main advantages.

• Size and design... Dimensions allow you to install the device anywhere. At the same time, the model looks laconic, suitable for any interior.
• Autonomy... The small speaker can be used as a portable one.
• Sound... The model reproduces all frequencies fairly well. It is quite convenient to use it as a mono speaker for a TV.
• Fancy features... The interactive column can read bedtime stories to children. Moreover, her voice is quite pleasant.

The main disadvantages.

1. Lack of charger included.
2. Sometimes there are audio commentaries in Chinese.
3. Lack of scripts.You will have to set the meaning of the commands yourself. This process is not difficult, but it takes time.

"Smart" speakers greatly simplify everyday tasks and allow you to use modern technologies in the house to the maximum.

When choosing, it is worth considering such nuances.

• Sound quality matters... "Smart" speakers are intended not only for listening to music, this is not their main task. In this case, it is worth choosing an option that can reproduce your favorite songs with high quality.
• Most models do not understand commands in Russian... This is worth considering. Some can recognize Russian, but answer in English. If your knowledge of a foreign language is below average, then you should pay attention only to Russian-speaking models.
• You can choose a "smart" column for any wallet... Domestic models are more economical. It is worth noting that even expensive American models cannot be used to their full potential in Russia. Some functionality is simply not available for them.
• Pay attention to size... Some models are quite oversized and will look ridiculous in a small apartment. Others, on the other hand, are too compact for a large house.

Each model has its own connection characteristics. If the "smart" speaker works only in conjunction with a gadget, then it is enough to pair it via the Bluetooth wireless network. You need to activate it on your smartphone and device, connect and enjoy using. The exact instructions are always included in the accompanying documentation.

Manufacturers are trying in every possible way to simplify the settings and use of technology. Some speaker parameters can be adjusted from a smartphone. Most models have physical buttons on the body to adjust the volume level.

TOP 5 smart speakers are presented below.