Smart speaker Stories

Kiwi Stories

Smart speaker stories

Apple is finally bringing the HomePod mini to New Zealand

Apple quietly announces the arrival of the HomePod mini in New Zealand, a compact smart speaker with 360-degree audio and Siri integration.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Thu, 10th Jun 2021

Global Stories

Smart speaker stories

Data Protection

AI Media Station puts edge intelligence in the lounge

KTC and Consult Red unveil AI Media Station, a Qualcomm-powered proof-of-concept bringing private edge AI control to living room media hubs.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Thu, 15th Jan 2026

Digital Entertainment

Hands-on Review: JBL Grip Bluetooth speaker

The JBL Grip is a compact, lightweight Bluetooth speaker delivering powerful, clear sound and customisable ambient lighting for just USD $94.00.

By Owen McCarthy • 3 min read • Mon, 1st Dec 2025

Digital Entertainment

Hands-on Review: JBL Boombox 3 Wi-Fi

The new JBL Boombox 3 Wi-Fi is no different – it's rugged, looks great, and, most importantly, performs excellently, offering rich sound with an envious amount of bass.

By Tom Richmond • 5 min read • Tue, 28th Nov 2023

Digital Entertainment

Bang & Olufsen's latest connected speaker screams 'premium' design

Danish audio brand Bang & Olufsen introduces its most advanced connected speaker to date, the Beolab 28, with a hefty price tag of AU$18,300.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Fri, 7th May 2021

Digital Entertainment

Demand for stay-at-home entertainment sees smart speaker market soar

Global smart speaker market set to reach 163 million units in 2021, with Mainland China leading the way, according to Canalys.

By Shannon Williams • 3 min read • Tue, 27th Oct 2020

Digital Entertainment

Global shipments of smart audio devices reach 96.2 million - Canalys

Global shipments of smart audio devices hit 96.2 million in Q1 2020. Canalys reports a 19.4% rise in smart personal audio, while smart speakers saw a 1.9% drop.

By Shannon Williams • 3 min read • Tue, 23rd Jun 2020

Digital Entertainment

Smart speaker market continues to grow - report

Smart speakers have seen a 53% growth, but the impact of COVID-19 on the industry remains uncertain, according to Futuresource Consulting.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Tue, 24th Mar 2020

Gaming

Hands-on Review: JBL Link Bar, the three-in-one smart speaker

JBL's Link Bar merges a sound bar, Android TV, and Google Home into one sleek device offering high sound quality with smart home integration.

By Lama Farhat • 3 min read • Thu, 5th Mar 2020

Digital Entertainment

Smart speaker vendors breaking records despite coronavirus disruption

Despite COVID-19 fears, smart speaker shipments surged in Q4 2019. Amazon, Google, and Chinese vendors hit record highs, says Canalys.

By Shannon Williams • 4 min read • Fri, 28th Feb 2020

Digital Entertainment

Canalys: Smart devices to reach three billion by 2023

Smart device shipments are set to reach three billion globally by 2023, with smartphone sales remaining dominant, says Canalys.

By Shannon Williams • 3 min read • Thu, 23rd Jan 2020

Digital Entertainment

Global smart speaker market experiences 45% growth

Amazon leads the global smart speaker market with 10.4 million units shipped in Q3 2019, according to Canalys. Google slips to fourth.

By Shannon Williams • 2 min read • Thu, 14th Nov 2019

Gaming

Hands-on Review: The ASUS Lyra Voice is a smart router with the power of invisibility

It looks no different from a set of standard Bluetooth speakers, and it easily blends itself into any corner of the house.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Fri, 1st Nov 2019

Smart Home

Bose's new smart speaker puts the bass back in the beat

Bose launches its latest smart speaker, the Portable Home Speaker, promising 360-degree sound and deep bass. Priced at NZD $579.95, it hits shelves Sept 26.

By Sara Barker • 3 min read • Thu, 5th Sep 2019