JBL Link View

The JBL Link View has good overall sound quality. Bass has good impact and goes fairly deep but is somewhat prominent and boomy. Midrange is even but is a bit soft, dark and grainy. Treble is extended but is somewhat subdued. Does a so-so job of recovering room ambience and is somewhat congested. No significant difference between Wifi and Bluetooth sound quality. Provide adequate listening volume for a small to medium sized room.

Versatility is good. It's a stereo speaker, with multi-room support but lacks stereo pairing support with another JBL Link View. Wireless: WiFi supports dual-band and this unit has Bluetooth and can output to another speaker but lacks speakerphone functionality. Communications: Has support for calling and messaging but lacks texting. Digital Assistant Muting: Has a dedicated switch to disable the digital assistant by muting its microphones. Audio Connections: Lacks analog audio input and outputs. Audio Tailoring: Lacks user adjustable treble and bass controls. OS Support: Android and iOS. Other connections and features: Lacks a USB device port. Display: Has a touchscreen information display. Streaming by voice command: Supports voice command of many common streaming services such as Google-Play Music, Pandora, Spotify, Tune-In, iHeart Radio. Voice ID: Supports voice identity - a feature which allows the account holder with their "voice print" to access personal information.

Overall ease of use of the JBL Link View is very good. Wireless setup: Requires an app downloaded to a mobile device, it's easy and intuitive - needs instructions which are included in app, may or may not involve inputting WiFi network password, and account setup. Bluetooth: This feature is only available after WiFi setup - However, it can be initiated in app device settings but this method is less intuitive; a verbal command works best, for example "Ok Google start Bluetooth pairing" then prompt with verbal instructions. Note: Instructions can be requested of "Ok Google" which provides clear instruction on verbal commands. Console controls: The volume controls are labeled (+/-), and once familiar the touch screen control is available after swiping up. Volume may also be controlled via a natural language command which has a non-persistent graphical position marking on the display. Audio mute: Well marked, but not prominent, and has a non-persistant indication on unit when muting is engaged. Microphone/Video mute: Mic mute switch is not well placed and uses low contrast labeling. However, when either toggled the unit provides visual or audible feedback on status of switch. Video mute is well placed but not well marked using low contrast labeling. 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 implementation of cast selection. App remote: Volume control not obvious due to extremely poor placement - only available when content is playing; however, it is repeatable with clear graphic and index of setting. Mute: The marking is not the most obvious, although there is a clear indication when it is engaged. Voice transport controls: Natural language control of transport (Play/Pause/Skip/Mute), volume controls and source selection was easy and intuitive except where noted for the mute function.