Alexa talks into a bar...

Soundbars have always been about convenience solutions, so the addition of voice control seems a good match. Yamaha has made its latest two bars not merely Alexa-compatible (i.e. requiring a separate Alexa device) but fully integrated, incorporating Alexa voice control through a built-in microphone.

The $599 YAS-207 comes with a wireless subwoofer, while the $399 YAS-107 manages on its own; both models support Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surround decoding as well as DTS Virtual:X for “immersive 3D surround sound that appears

to come from around and above you”. Both have one 4K-compatible HDMI input along with HDMI output with ARC, able to play back down the cable from your TV, and supporting CEC so your TV remote control can be used to adjust the sound bar volume. An optical input is provided for other devices without HDMI connections.

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enable local or networked streaming of Spotify Connect, Amazon Music and other Alexasupported music services under voice control; a Yamaha app is also available and supports network streaming. More info: au.yamaha.com