In short: The JBL Link Bar has been delayed. JBL has yet to officially confirm a delay although at least one retailer is understood to be already sending out emails to those who have pre-ordered the Android TV soundbar advising of the delay. Along with the suggestion it might not actually become available until next year.
Background: The JBL Link Bar was first announced during Google’s I/O event in May and instantly made an impression. As not only is this a soundbar in the traditional sense, but it’s also one which comes with Android TV built-in. Marking one of the first real instances where Android TV has migrated to a completely different product line and form. At the time Google and JBL stated it would launch in the Fall, and since then the Link Bar had become available to pre-order through a number of retailers including B&H Photo. It’s this retailer in particular that is now reportedly sending out emails to those who pre-ordered early, and in addition to confirming the delay, the email attributes the cause of the delay to a decision made by JBL, and notes the Link Bar “most likely” won’t ship “by the end of this calendar year.”
Impact: If the reports are correct then this will be an unfortunate delay for those who did pre-order early, as the unique nature of this product meant it had gained considerable attention since its announcement and will have been on the wish list of many tech enthusiasts. However, it’s worth keeping in mind this is effectively a first-generation product and if JBL feels it’s not quite ready to ship out to consumers yet, then it’s probably wise it’s delayed until it’s ready. However, the suggestion it won’t ship until 2019 is interesting as it would be assumed JBL is keen to capitalize on the busy holiday shopping period when consumers are more likely to invest in a product like this. Therefore if the delay time-frame suggested is accurate, the delay might actually be representative of a more serious issue, although until JBL does confirm the existence of a delay, and the reasons why, nothing is confirmed.