CES 2019 is approaching quickly but tech companies are already giving a taste of the products they will showcase at the Las Vegas convention. Two major players at CES are LG and Samsung and the Korean manufacturers have teased products that will highlight audio features.
LG Google Assistant Soundbars
LG SL9YG Soundbar with Google Assistant
LG has shared details about its new soundbars, which will be compatible with Google Assistant. The soundbar models SL10YG, SL9YG, and SL8YG use Meridian, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X technologies to maximize audio quality. The implementation of Google Assistant will allow for hands-free managing of the sound systems, using the signature phrase “Hey Google.” Users can also connect the soundbars to other smart products in the home to direct device functions through the soundbar with Google Assistant.
Samsung “Sound on Display”
Samsung’s product teaser is still in the realm of rumors, but if accurate, the manufacturer may showcase a “Sound on Display” prototype at CES. The technology is expected to allow for sound emission through an OLED display, which could negate the need for a speaker on the front of smartphones. Removing the front speaker could allow devices to have a truly bezel-free display.
Samsung’s display sector has already discussed the development of this technology, but there is no word on how close it is to being implemented on upcoming Samsung smartphones. Some murmurs tie the Sound on Display to the Galaxy S10 flagship, which may be announced in February. The device is expected to have an Infinity-O display that has no bezels, but a single hole cut out to accommodate a front facing camera. With such a design the galaxy S10 would require some new speaker location or feature to ensure the device can still function as a phone.
Samsung Sound on Display will help kill bezels and notches https://t.co/ALVyylMxaF pic.twitter.com/VAXx1pQWtK
— SlashGear (@slashgear) December 27, 2018
