Sound QualityThe Polk Audio Assist has Good overall sound quality - this model reproduces music and dialog reasonably well despite the obvious shortcomings in its sound. Bass has good impact, is a bit prominent and boomy, and goes fairly deep. Midrange is fairly even but is a bit grainy and somewhat hazy. Treble is fairly extended but is a bit subdued, smeared and sizzly. Does a decent job of recovering room ambience but is somewhat congested. The speaker is monophonic. There was no significant difference between Wifi and Bluetooth sound quality. Provides a decent volume level in a medium sized room.
Versatility
Voice ID: Supports voice identity - a feature which allows the account holder with their voice print to access personal information.
Ease of Use
Overall ease of use of the Polk Audio Assist is medicore. Wireless setup: Setup requires an app downloaded to a device or device connection, easy and intuitive - need instructions (may be included in app), may or may not involve inputting WiFi network password, account setups. Note: Google Home app performance with this model was glitchy - the volume and streamed content player controls (play/pause, skip forward and back as appropriate) would randomly not show up, or the volume control would have no effect on the smart speaker. Console controls: Volume controls are prominent +/- control buttons with non-persistent indexed graphical position markings of volume level is easily repeatable via verbal commands and easy to actuate. Audio mute: Lacks a mute control but can be muted with verbal command, not the most obvious, non persistent indication when engaged. Microphone mute: Well marked, not well placed (behind,under) clear indication when it is engaged. Source selections: Requires app to be installed, app installation is straight forward. Once app is installed switching between inputs requires selecting the -cast- icon in a 3rd party supported app. Fairly intuitive but subject to 3rd Party implimentation of cast selection. App remote: Volume control not available until content is being streamed. However, in our tests the control was intermittently available (grayed out). When available volume control is a prominent graphical and numerical display which is well labeled with indicator of volume level which is persistent, easily repeatable, and easy to actuate. Mute: (Remote) Well marked, well placed, clear indication when it is engaged and mutes the line input. Voice transport controls: Natural language control of transport (Play/Pause/Skip/Mute), volume controls and source selection was easy and intuitive.
