JBL has announced a new line of Google Assistant-enabled headphones. The American company forms part of Harman, which itself was acquired by Samsung Electronics last year. Despite this, though, JBL has remained under its own brand in regards to launching products. JBL’s newest headphones, known as the Everest GA headphones, include support for the Google’s rival virtual assistant.
The new line of headphones includes the Everest 710 GA, 310 GA, and 110GA, which are around-ear, on-ear and in-ear wireless headphones respectively. As is predictable due to the size differences, the larger Everest 710 GA offers up to 25 hours of listening, while the smaller Everest 310 GA can stay powered for up to 20 hours. In terms of the smaller in-ear option, this is reduced to a respectable 8 hours of battery life. Fortunately for users, though, JBL has included a quick recharge feature, allowing users to boost their battery life slightly when necessary. JBL’s owner Samsung has been pushing its own Bixby assistant since last year, including a dedicated button on their flagship smartphones, as well as announcing that it is developing a smart speaker which includes support for the assistant, with plans to expand the range of products that support the software.
Instead of using Bixby however, JBL has integrated Google Assistant into its newest pairs of headphones, with users of the product being able to control their music through voice controls, as well as receive a variety of notifications without needing to take out the connected smartphone. In order to access the assistant, users of the headphones are required to download the Google Assistant app on their smartphone and then touch the sensors that are placed on the connected headphones. For those interested in the products, all three variants will be available in Gunmetal and Mountain Silver, while the on-ear 310 GA model will also be sold in Copper Brown and Rocky Purple, and the in-ear variant will also be available in the exclusive Steel Blue color. Lastly, in terms of pricing, the Everest 710 GA will set customers back $249.99, while the smaller Everest 310 GA will retail for $199.99. In terms of the Everest 110GA, JBL has priced these at $99.99.
