The JBL Link View is a Google Smart Display device that combines quality sound with the Google Assistant.
The integrated display in the JBL Link View can be used for making video calls, viewing photos, watching YouTube content, and controlling smart home devices. Commands are triggered by saying “Hey Google.”
The JBL Link View has high-quality rich sound and strong bass. And the sound of the JBL Link View is powered by JBL’s proprietary transducer array and a digital amplifier. It has two front-facing 10-watt speakers and a radiator on the back.
Competing against the Amazon Echo Show, the JBL Link View has the best audio quality out of all of the Google Smart Displays as of right now. However, the display does not seem to be as sharp as the Lenovo Smart Display.
So if you are looking to buy a Google Smart Display device and you want both high-quality audio and video, then you may want to wait until more devices are released. But if you care primarily about the sound, then I would recommend that you buy a JBL Link View.
In terms of the design, the JBL Link View looks like an egg-shaped boombox with a screen in the center. And there is also a camera above the display. The volume controls are on the top and there is a mute switch on the back.
Photo: JBL
The advantage that the Lenovo Smart Display has it that it comes in two screen sizes: 8-inch and 10-inch. The JBL Link View is only available in only an 8-inch screen size option. The Link View measures at 13 inches x 5.9 inches x 3.9 inches — which is similar in size to the 10-inch Lenovo Smart Display. So the JBL Link View takes up the same amount of counter space, but it has a smaller screen size.
Don’t get me wrong – the Link View’s 1200 x 800 HD resolution is still sharp so that this should not deter you from considering it. But if you plan to use the display a lot, then you should consider the Link View instead.
The JBL Link View requires the Google Home app to be set up and it needs to run on the same Wi-Fi network as the app to be authenticated. After it is paired, then it will sync with your Google services automatically like Google Calendar, Google Maps, and YouTube.
One of the best features of using the search feature is that the results are visually rich. So if you search for food recipes, then you will see large images of that meal.
And the JBL Link View also supports Routines. So it reads you a series of pertinent information when you say a certain phrase. For example, you can say “Hey Google, good morning” to see the weather, traffic details, stock prices, and calendar appointments.
Now let’s talk about the price. The retail price of the JBL Link View is $250, which makes it the same price as the 10-inch Lenovo Smart Display. And as mentioned earlier, the trade-off is between a sharper display or better audio.
Here is a breakdown of the JBL Link View pros and cons:
JBL Link View Pro #1: Great Audio
The JBL Link View has clear audio with rich bass. So playing music on this device may really make you want to dance while cooking dinner.
JBL Link View Pro #2: Google Assistant
I am placing Google Assistant as a pro because I believe that this digital assistant is the most superior out of all of them. I have had much better luck with Google Assistant compared to Siri, Alexa, and Cortana.
JBL Link View Con #1: Display Could Be Sharper
Even though the screen is HD quality, the 8-inch display is not as good as the Lenovo Smart Display. But if I were to choose between the two, I would likely buy the JBL Link View since I prefer superior audio.
JBL Link View Con #2: Price
At a price of $250, it may make you hesitant and want to compare the JBL Link View against other smart display devices. But it is not that high in comparison to other similar gadgets on the market.
