When Google initially launched the Google Home Mini, it seemed like it was Google’s answer to Amazon’s Echo Dot. It was basically a smaller and cheaper version of the Google Home for those who did not need a full sounding speaker, but preferred the functionality of the built-in Google Assistant.

Due to the fact that devices like the Google Home Mini are relatively affordable with the idea being that you can place multiple devices around the home. This is great for using Google Assistant throughout your home, but what if you wanted to transfer your current stream from device to device?

When it comes to smart speakers, Amazon has mostly tried to target the mass market with devices like the Echo Dot and more recently, the Echo Flex, all of which are priced $50 and below. However, if a higher-end Echo speaker was something you were after, you are in luck as Amazon has officially announced the Echo Studio.

One of the cheapest Amazon Echo speakers available was the Echo Dot. We say  “was” because during Amazon’s hardware event today, the company took the wraps off a new product called the Echo Flex, which is basically a plug-in smart speaker that lets you install Alexa in virtually every room.

With the HomePod, Apple has dipped their toes into the smart speaker waters. However, judging from the reports we’ve seen, it has barely made a dent in the market which is still largely dominated by the likes of Amazon and Google, who have launched smart speakers that are decidedly more feature-rich.

In recent years, we’re starting to see the rise in smart displays. These are essentially smart speakers with displays built into them, where the added display means that users will be able to watch videos, make video calls, and also connect with other smart devices like cameras to see who’s at the door.

For a while now, we have been hearing rumors and have also been treated to leaks that Sonos could be getting ready to launch their first Bluetooth speaker. Previously, the company’s speakers did offer support for wireless connectivity but it was through WiFi, meaning that they weren’t exactly ideal for portable use.

While soundbars might not necessarily provide you with the same surround sound effect that you might enjoy from having individual speakers positioned strategically around the room, the upside is that they are incredibly convenient if you don’t have a lot of space and you want something a little more low-profile.

Smart speakers seem like the perfect gadget for the modern era, where we can use our voice to control all manner of devices like our door locks, lights, TV, and it can also help us search for things, make appointments, order food, and so on. However, it is possible that with these speakers always listening for a command word, are we perhaps giving away too much of ourselves?

Last year, Samsung announced their upcoming smart speaker in the form of the Galaxy Home. The speaker has yet to be released following a series of delays, but it looks like Samsung is already interested in creating some variants of it. The company has officially announced that over in South Korea, they will be launching a beta program for the Galaxy Home Mini.

Recently, there have been reports that Sonos could be working on a new portable speaker system that will allow users to play music through WiFi and Bluetooth. Those speakers have yet to make their debut, but it seems that Bose could have beaten them to the punch as the company has taken the wraps off their aptly named “Portable Home Speaker”.

Last week, there were rumors that Sonos has a new set of speakers in the works that would focus on portability. It was also said that it would offer up both Bluetooth and wireless connectivity. Now thanks to the folks at WinFuture.de, they have managed to get their hands on photos of the upcoming speakers.

Apple’s rollout of the HomePod has been a bit slow, where unlike its iPhones and iPads and Mac computers, the availability of the HomePod is still very much limited to a handful of countries. However, the company has been slowly expanding its availability and come 23rd of August, it seems that the HomePod will finally be making its way to Japan.

If you were thinking about picking up an Apple Watch, AirPods, or the HomePod, you might want to do so quickly. This is because a new set of tariffs introduced by the Trump administration will be tacking on a 10% import tax on wearables and smart speakers, which covers the Apple products we mentioned above.