JBL Link View
LIFE OF THE PARTY.
THE JBL LINK View’s design is a bit of a throwback to the days of iPod speakers, with the speakers out and proud, flanking either side of the 8-inch touchscreen. This smart display preceded the likes of the Google Home Hub and the Echo Show, which favour rear speakers that minimise the overall footprint, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see the Link View’s successor adopt a similar aesthetic.
As it stands, the soccer ball-shaped Link View takes up a lot of space, despite having a display that’s only an inch larger than the Nest Hub’s.
The JBL brand’s audio heritage makes itself known when you employ the Link View’s media capabilities. This is a display that’s designed to be heard, and it can really crank up the tunes when you’re in the mood for a party. The twin two-inch full-range drivers and 20W output contribute to a full-bodied stereo sound and impressive bass response that adds some serious ‘oomph’ to everything from pop to dance music. Oddly, there’s no EQ control (a featured offered on the Echo Show), so you’re stuck with the default audio levels.
The Link View runs the Google Assistant platform, and as such, you’re privy to all of the great software features offered on the Nest Hub displays. The 5MP front-facing camera means you can use it for video calls, but it lacks the face match, gesture control and Nest security features offered by the Nest Hub Max. Additionally, the screen doesn’t have the same vibrancy and viewing angles of newer Smart Displays like the Nest Hub.