Logitech’s Ultimate Ears series of Bluetooth speakers can access Siri and Google Now after a software update. Two speakers, the Boom 2 and the Megaboom, will receive the feature via a software update for the speakers and an update to the app on your phone. Unlike Amazon Echo or Google Home, these speakers don’t get in-built hardware for accessing Siri or Google Now directly. The speakers will in fact connect to your device via Bluetooth and access Siri and Google Now, much like a compatible Bluetooth headset.
You access either Siri or Google Now by pushing a button on the speakers. As long as you’re connected to the phone via the app, you’ll be able to access the service. Engadget has tried the speakers for themselves and do report that the solution isn’t a perfect one, but it works. They report a loss in signal, inability to understand some voice commands and other minor issues. They also report a “significant delay” in response. However, they did point out that most of these issues were restricted to the Boom 2.
These speakers are completely waterproof and adding Siri and Google Now support will transform them into excellent pool companions.
The features are a welcome addition to otherwise staid Bluetooth speakers. It’s also a reflection of the times and our increasing reliance on voice commands that features like this are now being seen as real features rather than gimmicks.