LG’s long awaited smart display Speaker has finally started shipping. First announced at CES as part of a quartet of displays equipped with Google Assistant, the extravagantly named LG Xboom AI ThinQ WK9 Smart Display.
The LG XBOOM AI ThinQ WK9 is the company’s first Smart Display, It was developed in collaboration with Google for its Google Assistant feature, and Medirian Audio for the dual 20W speakers.
The WK9 has an 8-inch HD display that allows you to interact with the same great Smart Display experience we’ve been messing around with for a few months now. You can use the screen to access step-by-step recipe guides, video calling with Google Duo thanks to the 5MP camera, YouTube videos, and of course you can use your voice to talk to the Google Assistant at any time.
The LG’s new XBOOM AI ThinQ (model WK9) smart display wields a pair of speakers on each side of the integrated 8-inch HD touchscreen. It’s overflowing with features, such as a built-in camera for making video calls, built-in Chromecast support, and also support Bluetooth pairing. The 8-inch screen offers slightly better than 720p resolution (1,280×800 pixels).
The WK9 is similar to the Google Home Hub or the Lenovo Smart Display, wherein it is a large touchscreen that sits around your house with Google Assistant on it. It works as any other Google Home device, but with the display showing visual feedback along with audio. You can also use it for watching videos or for making video calls.
Apart from working with Google Home compatible devices, the WK9 also works with the LG ThinQ range of smart home devices, such as televisions and home appliances.
LG designed the audio quality in collaboration with Meridian, a British sound company with a history of high-end sound design. Dual passive radiators on the back will help it blast the bass. In addition to this, the Xboom AI has a camera for making video calls, along with a physical shutter if you want some extra privacy.
The Xboom AI also works with SmartThinQ, LG’s smart appliance platform. Given that Google Assistant can currently control LG smart appliances via voice command. The Xboox AI comes in black, weighs 1.51kg and has a power rating of 5.6W.
The LG Xboom AI is sold for $300 which is more costly than other smart displays with similar capabilities.
LG XBOOM AI ThinQ WK9 Key Specs:
- Display: 8-inch HD Touch Screen
- Speaker Output Power: 2Ch, 20W
- Camera: 5M Pixel
- Operating System: Android Things
- Size (W x H x D): 12.6″X 5.3″ X 5.2″
- Weight (Net): 4 lbs
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Power Supply: 5.6W
