A smart speaker with a voice assistant from Yandex is not only an additional way to turn on music or activate the air conditioner. Developers regularly expand the capabilities of this accessory and allow third-party developers to add new features.
This option is called “skills for Alice”. Here, any developer can create his own small useful program that will entertain the user or make his life easier.
We have already talked about hidden games and entertainment in any column with Alice, and now we are offering a catalog of useful skills for her.
You don't have to configure or install anything. Simply say the specified phrase to activate the algorithm and follow the voice prompts. You can launch skills both through the column and through an application on a smartphone or a browser on a computer.
Learning to pronounce sounds with the “Easy to Say” skill
A simple and entertaining speech trainer for young preschool children. An interactive story that can be told by Fixika's favorite characters will be mixed with songs and tasks.
Each block is aimed at learning and repeating a complex sound or combination of letters. The assistant pronounces sounds, words and phrases using them and even sings songs, and then asks the child to repeat.
The simulator was developed jointly with speech therapists and is “wrapped” in a non-boring shell. You can run it on your child every day for 15-20 minutes.
Best Portable Bluetooth 2.1 Speakers
Is it possible to say unambiguously which column is better? The answer probably depends on the user's budget and needs. Therefore, in this case, we will express a subjective opinion, highlighting the acoustics from the 2.1 category as leaders. These are devices that, in addition to regular speakers, have a subwoofer. It allows you to enjoy deep low frequencies, which is especially important for electronic music and dynamic films.
Ginzzu GM-886B
Yes, and again the Ginzzu company. But what can you do if it produces really good options for your money? The GM-886B model will cost you a modest 2,400 rubles. For this amount, the buyer will receive a pair of speakers of 3 W each, a 12 W subwoofer with a diameter of 102 mm and a beautiful, slightly aggressive appearance. One of the best sounding Ginzzu speakers is equipped with Bluetooth, a card reader, a USB port and a tuner. The device weighs almost two kilograms, so for convenience there is a strap on its body. The GM-886B also provides the ability to adjust the equalizer and has a small display.
Advantages:
- good autonomy;
- high-quality subwoofer;
- simplicity and speed of connection;
- carrying handle;
- versatility.
Flaws:
- the sound, although loud, is not particularly clear;
- no charge indicator.
Marshall Kilburn
We cannot imagine a fan of high-quality sound who has not heard of the legendary Marshall brand. And our TOP portable speaker from this particular manufacturer continues. The traditional rock style design and impeccable build quality immediately make it clear why the device costs an average of 15 thousand rubles.
The Marshal range also includes the updated Kilburn II model. It costs more, but if you wish, you can buy this modification for only 15,990 rubles. It received aptX support, became more powerful and reliable due to corner inserts that retain its appearance longer.
Kilburn can be powered by mains power or a built-in battery. For the second option, Marshall indicates a long battery life of the speaker up to 20 hours. However, in practice, this figure is achievable at low volume, and if you want to turn the device up to maximum, the autonomy will decrease by more than 2 times.
Pros:
- mains and battery operation;
- nice appearance in retro style;
- excellent autonomy;
- 2 speakers of 5 W and a subwoofer of 15 W;
- Bass/treble controls.
Minuses:
- there is no battery charge indication;
- no protection against water and dust;
Harman/Kardon Aura Studio 2
Aura Studio 2 is a purely home device that will appeal to buyers looking for high-quality sound, complemented by a luxurious appearance. The speaker only works from the network, and you can connect it to a sound source via a linear input and via a wireless interface. Visually, Aura Studio 2 is reminiscent of the Harman/Kardon Soundsticks, which even earned a place in New York's Museum of Modern Art.
In fact, the reviews primarily praise the speaker for its futuristic design. Aura Studio 2 is available in black, burgundy, purple and dark blue. The upper part of the case is made of transparent plastic, so it is almost impossible to break it. But such material is easily scratched and dirty, so you need to take care of it. One of the downsides is also the hole at the top where dust can fall.
Harman/Kardon Aura Studio 2 is equipped with six 40 mm speakers, which are placed in a circle in the stand. They are complemented by a 30 W subwoofer located at the bottom. All controls (touch) are located on the front panel. The volume in Aura Studio 2 is controlled by a slider, and you can understand the current level by the glowing ring inside the speaker.
Advantages:
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules;
- two wired connections;
- excellent appearance;
- rich sound;
- circular LED lighting.
Flaws:
- turbine plastic is easy to scratch;
- Dust may accumulate inside.
Creative Sound Blaster Roar Pro
The leader in the list of the best portable speakers is a model produced by Creative. Just by the appearance of the Sound Blaster Roar Pro you can understand the premium nature of this acoustics. The body has the shape of an elongated parallelepiped with rounded edges. The device weighs a little more than a kilogram, which is quite a bit for a device with 5 speakers and a battery that provides battery life for up to 10 hours. The best price for a Creative speaker on the Russian market is 12,000 rubles.
For quick wireless pairing, the Sound Blaster Roar Pro includes an NFC tag.
On top of the speaker are the main buttons for controlling the volume, turning the device on and off, managing the connection and activating the ROAR mode. The latter allows you to instantly increase the volume and achieve surround sound, but to activate this option the speaker must be connected to the network. Some more controls and all connectors are located at the rear. The Creative Sound Blaster Roar Pro outputs sound from the front (two speakers), the sides (one each), and the top (subwoofer).
Advantages:
- excellent sound quality;
- USB for charging smartphones;
- battery life;
- many settings to suit your own preferences
- microSD memory card slot;
- excellent build quality and parts;
- support for wireless microphones;
- NFC tag and sound enhancement modes.
We test knowledge and choose the smartest one in the “Language Quiz” and “Questions with Friends”
These two skills will help schoolchildren compete in erudition. The language quiz will ask you to guess the language in which Alice will pronounce words or choose the correct translation for a phrase in one of 14 languages of the world.
The second quiz offers questions within the school curriculum from different areas of knowledge. Whoever gets the most correct answers wins.
Trying strategy games “Yes, my lord” and “Election Day”
The principle of the first game is reminiscent of the classic Reigns series for iPhone, only in audio format. The assistant will tell the story of a prince on the throne of a medieval state and offer solutions to emerging problems. The player decides whether to build churches, execute criminals, and raise taxes. Each decision affects the change in key indicators, and a series of incorrect answers will lead to overthrow from the throne and even execution.
Another similar game offers you to go through the election race for the post of President of the United States. The player needs to skillfully answer questions so as not to lose his rating before the elections.
Best portable speakers (stereo)
If your sound requirements are higher, then one channel is definitely not enough. Of course, full-scale acoustics are much better suited for music lovers, but they cannot boast of compactness. But you can also take devices from the next category with you. Yes, their dimensions are slightly higher than monophonic speakers. But any of the models considered is capable of “rocking” a cheerful company.
Ginzzu GM-986B
Cool portable speaker with flash drive and radio. The total power of the speakers in this model is 10 W. The range of frequencies they reproduce is from 100 Hz to 20 kHz. The device is supplied with 3.5 mm male/male and USB-MicroUSB cables, a strap and documentation. The capacity of the battery built into the GM-986B is 1500 mAh, which is enough for 5 hours of continuous music playback. The front panel of the speaker contains all the ports, including USB Type-A and an SD card slot, as well as controls.
Advantages:
- memory card support;
- convenient control;
- small sizes;
- battery charge indication;
- high volume.
Flaws:
- there is not enough handle for easy transportation;
- inexpressive lows.
SVEN PS-485
Next in the ranking of portable Bluetooth speakers is a model from SVEN. This manufacturer is very popular in the computer acoustics market because its products have a good balance of price and sound quality. The same can be said about the PS-485. This model is one of the most popular portable stereo speakers according to customer reviews. It is equipped with two 14 W speakers, has a multi-colored backlight that can operate in several modes, a display and a control panel that allows you to customize any sound parameters. The ideal combination of price and quality, the SVEN speaker will also please karaoke lovers, since it has a microphone jack with an “echo” function.
Advantages:
- presence of an equalizer;
- reading USB drives;
- microSD card slot;
- built-in LED display;
- convenient control;
- clear sound;
- presence of backlight.
Flaws:
- quality of materials;
- volume reserve.
JBL Flip 4
In second place in the review of portable speakers with stereo sound is Flip 4 from the American company JBL. This model is perfect for both smartphones and tablet computers. The Flip 4 will appeal to music lovers and movie buffs looking to get rid of flat sound. In addition, the device can work for 12 hours straight!
Flip 4 is available not only in different colors, but also in a Special Edition with original patterns on the body. In Russia, unfortunately, you can only find the “camouflage modification” Squad.
Taking into account the declared autonomy, the speaker charges quite quickly - 3.5 hours. Other features of the Flip 4 include IPX7 water and dust protection. The device also has a good microphone for talking on the phone. As for the speakers, they are represented by a pair of 8 W emitters with a frequency range of 70-20000 Hz.
Advantages:
- complete moisture protection of the case;
- compact dimensions;
- great design;
- long battery life;
- perfect sound.
Flaws:
- There is no charging power supply included.
Harman/Kardon Go + Play Mini
Expensive and incredibly powerful portable speaker from the Harman/Kardon brand. Let us immediately warn you that the Mini prefix in the name does not mean compactness. It’s just that in this case you will get a kind of smaller analogue of the standard Go + Play model. The dimensions and weight of the speaker under review are quite impressive - 418 mm in length and almost 3.5 kilograms. Obviously, such a large device would not be without a durable handle, which allows you to take it with you to nature or a party.
Go + Play Mini can work both from the built-in battery, which lasts up to 8 hours, and from the mains. All connectors here are located on the back under a plug. Among other things, the manufacturer added a USB-A port to the speaker, but it is intended only for charging mobile devices. This is convenient if your phone starts to run out in nature. The device is controlled by three buttons. The power of the device is as much as 100 W. However, even at maximum volume the Go+ Play Mini sounds very nice and clear.
Advantages:
- metal handle;
- does not crackle at high volume;
- can work from a power outlet;
- high quality of assembly and materials;
- ability to charge smartphones;
- huge power of 100 W;
- excellent build and elegant design.
Flaws:
- there is no protection from dust and moisture;
- autonomy is good, but not for 15 thousand.
We go through various “Audio quests”
This is not one specific skill, but a whole niche of scenarios for non-boring leisure time. The voice assistant will set the rules and voice the story, and players will perform important actions at key moments. Sometimes you will need to choose a way to solve a problem, try to guess the answer to a question, or simply take some action.
There are quests based on the universe of comics, video games, and TV series. There are abstract quests or stories that repeat familiar plots from films or books. An excellent opportunity to complete the quest without additional props and absolutely free.
Best Inexpensive Portable Speakers (Mono)
Monophonic acoustics, regardless of their class, perform the same task as surround speakers - sound reproduction. The main difference between such devices and more advanced solutions is the use of only one channel. Moreover, in some cases, the device itself is equipped with several speakers. Portable models are good because you can take them with you into nature, attach them to a bicycle, or throw them in a backpack. And monaural speakers are usually cheaper than their stereo counterparts.
Xiaomi Mi Round 2
We'll start with the Chinese company Xiaomi, which recently announced that it plans to enter the automobile market. Her high-quality Mi Round 2 speaker is an ideal solution for the home. You can also take the device with you, for which the kit even includes a special control locking ring. But the lack of any protection does not allow you to comfortably enjoy the speaker outdoors.
The power of Mi Round 2 is 5 W, the sound quality is above average. If you need a solution for listening to music while cleaning the house or cooking in the kitchen, then choose a good portable speaker from Xiaomi. The device is controlled very simply: a long press on the wheel turns the device on/off, a short single press – answer a call, pause and play, and a double press – breaks the current pairing. By rotating, the user can change the volume level.
Advantages:
- convenient control;
- white/black colors;
- pairing speed;
- activity/charge indicator;
- low price from 1500 rubles.
Flaws:
- There is no charging cable included.
JBL GO 2
The second generation of the popular compact speaker from JBL. The capabilities of GO 2 are enough for home and outdoor gatherings with a small group. True, you need to use the device quite carefully. IPX7 protection will save you from water getting on the case and even a short-term fall of the speaker into a pool or pond. But dust or other small particles may still get inside the JBL GO 2.
The portable speaker is equipped with a noise-canceling microphone, which allows you to answer phone calls with it.
One of the main advantages of the model under review is its compactness and beautiful design. The manufacturer offers about a dozen body color options, so consumers can choose the right option to suit their clothing style. One of the best JBL Bluetooth speakers is equipped with a 730 mAh battery that can provide up to 5 hours of battery life. The battery charges in 150 minutes.
Advantages:
- many colors;
- good sound;
- moderate cost;
- compact dimensions;
- excellent sound quality;
- protection from water.
Flaws:
- not the best autonomy.
Ginzzu GM-885B
For some buyers, the cheap Ginzzu GM-885B speaker will be even more interesting than our chosen leader among monophonic models. Firstly, it is incredibly powerful (18 W) and is equipped with two speakers (50 and 152 mm). Secondly, the device can work via Bluetooth and completely independently. For this purpose, the GM-885B has a radio tuner, an SD reader, and a USB-A port that allows you to connect external drives. The Ginzzu speaker weighs an impressive 2.5 kg and its dimensions are 320x214x240 mm. This is quite a lot, so the manufacturer has provided a handle for ease of carrying.
Advantages:
- high power;
- two microphone inputs;
- quality of radio reception;
- high-quality assembly;
- excellent functionality;
- good volume reserve.
Flaws:
- large dimensions;
- weak bass.
Sony SRS-XB10
Beautiful, reliable, convenient - these are the main advantages of the Sony SRS-XB10. The Japanese manufacturer tried to make its compact speaker flawless for all users. Here even the instructions are made in the form of illustrations that anyone can understand. The Sony speaker is available in several color options, from standard white and black to bright yellow, red and orange.
The SRS-XB10 comes with a convenient stand, which is attached to the device using a rope. This allows you to place the speaker not only vertically, but also horizontally, and also mount it on a bicycle.
An important advantage of this model is IPX5 protection. This allows you to take the device with you into the shower and get caught in the rain with it. The sound quality of the speaker is very good. By the way, the designation XB in the name means Extra Bass. And the low frequencies are really great here. However, the mids and highs didn’t let us down either, especially considering the attractive price tag of 2,500 rubles.
Advantages:
- high-quality assembly;
- built-in NFC module;
- powerful bass;
- beautiful design;
- mount/stand;
- splash protection;
- loud sound;
- excellent combination of price and capabilities;
- autonomy up to 16 hours.
