LG WK9 Smart Display Specs, Price Officially Revealed

Earlier this year, LG unveiled the WK9 as its very first smart display that’s powered by Google Assistant. Now, the company has finally revealed some launch details of the upcoming device, including specs and pricing.

LG’s smart display was simply called the WK9 when it was first announced, but its full name is now confirmed to be the XBOOM AI ThinQ WK9. The device comes with an 8-inch HD touchscreen display that’s flanked by 20W stereo speakers. Although its design looks unique, its set of features is similar to what users can find on the Lenovo Smart Display and the JBL Link View.

The LG XBOOM AI ThinQ WK9 is running Google’s Android Things smart display operating system and it has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support. Like the Google Home Hub, the WK9 comes with Google Assistant built-in and it can respond to users with “Hey Google” voice commands. Users will be able to play videos from YouTube or music from Spotify and other supported music streaming services. The device will also allow users to control their other smart home devices, including LG’s own ThinQ appliances.

The 20W speakers on the LG WK9 were developed in partnership with Meridian Audio. LG said that its partnership with Meridian allows the WK9 to deliver “high-fidelity sound, precise vocal definition and accurate bass.” The LG smart display also comes with a 5-megapixel front-facing camera, which will allow users to make Google Duo video calls, according to 9To5Google.

“Our partnerships with Google and Meridian Audio allows us to offer a new home entertainment experience with the smart capabilities of the Google Assistant and the premium audio know-how that only Meridian could deliver,” LG’s head of convergence audio and video business division Seo Young-jae said. “Unlike other AI speakers where sound quality takes a back seat to the brain, the WK9 is first and foremost a high fidelity audio product that also happens to be intelligent.”

The LG XBOOM AI ThinQ WK9 is also the most expensive smart display with a retail price of $299.99. For comparison, the JBL Link View and the 10-inch Lenovo Smart Display both cost $249, while the Google Home Hub sells for $149. Fortunately, LG is slashing $100 off the WK9 for the holiday season, bringing the price down to just $199.99. LG didn’t provide information on when exactly the device will be available to purchase.