Polk Audio has announced a new soundbar that can be controlled by voice assistant Amazon Alexa: the Polk React. The Polk React is a soundbar with Amazon Alexa built-in. This allows you to control your soundbar and partly also your TV. If you have multiple speakers with Alexa in the house, you can start a multiroom setup or include it in an existing network (just like with Google Cast and Apple Airplay).
Polk React soundbar
The Polk React has four microphones on board. These are far-field mics, so the wide speaker must also be able to hear you when you are watching something or when you are on the other side of the room. Moreover, the soundbar can be used as an intercom. You can record a message that will then be played on other Alexa speakers and you can receive messages that have been recorded on other Alexa speakers.
Furthermore, the Polk Audio can be used as a smart speaker with which you can also control other Alexa devices in the house. For example, you can switch lights on and off or control the heating – provided they support Amazon Alexa of course. In addition, there is bluetooth available, so you can play your own music, regardless of the music streaming service you use. This makes it possible to play your locally stored music as well. Finally, there are presets for movies and music, with which you can set the soundbar for specific content at the touch of a button.
The Polk React supports Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1, but not Dolby Atmos. That is no surprise, since the soundbar is priced quite low. The soundbar can serve as a center speaker if you already have surround speakers in the house. For example, Polk Audio suggests using the SR2 surround speakers, as well as the React subwoofer.
Price and availability
The Polk React has a price tag of 299 euros. The speakers cost 179 euros for a set. And the subwoofer costs 199 euros. The speakers should be available somewhere in mid-February.
