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The Google Assistant smart speaker space has expanded exponentially over the past couple of years with options aplenty from a wide variety of manufacturers. Whatever your budget, use case, or personal taste, you can find a speaker powered by the Google Assistant that should fit your specific needs and wants. Google’s latest smart speaker, the Nest Audio, is the shining star of 2020 with its premium audio quality and $99 price tag but there is one speaker on the market that offers something that can only be found on a few, select devices. Water resistance.
Sony’s SRS-XB402G is one of a few smart devices slowly filling the portable speaker space that has been relatively barren since the Google Assistant landed on third-party products more than two years ago. The Sony, however, brings a lot more to the party thanks to an IP67 rating that makes the portable speaker waterproof. This rating means that the speaker can be submerged up to a meter of water for up to 30 minutes without damaging the device. I know, you probably don’t plan on submerging your smart speaker but the portable nature of this little party-goer could lend itself to an unforeseen dip in the pool, and thanks to the IP67 rating, you won’t have to panic should that happen.
I haven’t had a chance to review this Sony yet but a quick search around the web reveals some shining reviews of the smart speaker that doubles as Google Assistant control room. The only nits I’ve seen about the speaker is that some users were having trouble using it without the Google Home App. Fortunately, this was simply user error and I discovered that the Sony can be used purely as a Bluetooth speaker should you now want the extras of the Google Assistant or you happen to be out of range of wireless internet.
Sound quality appears to be as good, if not better than other speakers in its price range which happens to be $149. That’s a solid price for a speaker this versatile and durable. The only “water-resistant” speaker I’ve had experience with was the Tic Mini from Mobvoi and despite my love for my TicWatch collection, Mobvoi’s portable smart speaker failed horribly to do anything well. The Sony boasts more than just a durable build, too. The cylindrical chassis features two 53mm speakers as well as two passive radiators that help amplify the low ends of your music with the “EXTRA BASS” feature by Sony.
I’m anxious to get my hands on the Sony and see how the audio quality stacks up to the Nest Audio. If it is anywhere near the succulent sound of the Nest, this speaker is a no brainer for the audiophile on the go. With battery life reported to be up to 12 hours, Bluetooth connectivity, and the waterproof, dustproof rating, I’d pay $149 for this thing all day. Guess what? If you’re looking for an Assistant speaker like this one, you can pick up the Sony and you don’t even have to pay retail. Right now, Daily Steals is selling the brand new Sony SRS-XB402G at the discounted price of only $119. That’s only $20 more than a new Nest Audio and you can take the Sony wherever you go with no need for that cord life. Check out the deal below. If you already have one of these smart speakers, drop a comment below and give us the scoop on how you think it performs.
Sony SRS-XB402G from Daily Steals
