What's in a name, I hear you ask? Let's take Google's Home Hub as an example, ‘Home Hub' simply rolls off the tongue like a good quality brandy. By contrast, the LG XBOOM AI ThinQ model WK9 rolls off the tongue like you are spitting out Lego bricks. In case you were wondering, the XBOOM AI ThinQ model WK9 is LG's entry into the smart display segment, boasting an 8-inch HD display, a big 20W speaker, and a 5MP camera. For this article, the LG XBOOM AI ThinQ model WK9 will be referred to as the WK9 from now on.
Having first appeared on B&H's website way back in March, LG's WK9 smart display comes to take on the Google Home Hub, JBL's Link View, and Lenovo's Smart Display. Unlike the Home Hub with no camera and just adequate sound, the WK9 does sport a 5MP for video calling via Google Duo and its speaker boasts 20W of output in partnership with Meridian Audio that LG says is the ‘most powerful' of any smart display.
The WK9 weighs in at 1.51KG which makes it three times as heavy as the 480g Home Hub and is also taller, wider, and longer than Google's offering.
Specifications
- Display: 8-inch HD Touch Screen
- Speaker Output: 2Ch / 20W
- Camera: 5MP
- Operating System: Android Things
- Chromecast built-in
- Bluetooth Streaming
- Size (W x H x D): 370 x 244 x 145mm
- Weight: 1.51kg
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi / Bluetooth
- Power Supply: 5.6W
- Color: Black
While the WK9's Recommended Retail Price (RRP) is $299, LG has it listed with a $100 discount on its website, although it seems that you can't buy it anywhere just yet. What do you think of the LG XBOOM AI ThinQ model WK9? Is it a case of clunky by name, clunky by nature?
Source: LG
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