Sony’s new LF-S50G smart speaker is the latest to attempt to challenge the popular Amazon Echo and Google Home.
Like its two rivals, the S50G is powered by an AI virtual assistant – the same Google Assistant as in Google Home.
It promises better sound and is more expensive than its rivals, so how do they compare?
Sony LF-S50G
A 360-degree two-way facing speaker system, including a full range speaker and dedicated subwoofer, damp bass reflex duct and omnidirectional two-stage diffuser
Google Assistant voice commands using “OK, Google”, able to answer queries, control music and other smart home products
Built-in LED screen to display time
Supports close-range hand gestures – waves to skip track and control volume
Bluetooth and NFC support enables one-touch connection to quickly play audio from a smartphone
Splashproof
Priced at £200
Google Home
Single high excursion speaker with driver and dual passive radiators
Google Assistant voice commands using “OK, Google”, able to answer queries, control music and other smart home products
Far-field voice recognition
Touch controls for volume control and play/pause
Priced at £129
Amazon Echo
A 360-degree omnidirectional audio speaker, with separate woofer and tweeter
Alexa AI-powered, able to answer queries, control music and other smart home products
Light ring to show when active and simple button controls for music and volume
Seven microphones for far-field voice recognition
Priced at £149.99. Also available in compact Echo Dot version for £49.99
