JBL has launched a premium smart speaker with an integrated 18.5-inch touchscreen with a unique floating lyrics feature. The new speaker, JBL Vienna, signals a move beyond traditional wireless speakers into display-equipped home entertainment devices designed for home decor. 

Combined with a powerful 100W audio output, the product features an AI-driven interface with the ability to display synchronized lyrics, album art, interactive content and even personal photos, targeting music streaming and home karaoke. 

The large display screen can feature song lyrics with ‘floating’ light and shadow effects, meditation scenes, a photo album slideshow and customisable clock. It also has screen mirroring capabilities with iOS and Android. 

It’s a design that positions the Vienna in competition with smart displays and other connected home entertainment hubs over conventional Bluetooth speakers. 

Touted as a major selling point, the AI features include intelligent music interaction and enhanced karaoke functionality and is in line with the growing integration of AI across consumer audio products. 

The JBL Vienna smart speaker also supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and is designed to be a premium entertainment hub that combines music, lyrics, karaoke, personal visuals and smart home controls in a single device. It converges audio, display technology and AI in what could be a growing new category between smart speakers, tablets and home entertainment systems.

Priced at ¥6,999 (approximately A$1,450–1,500) in China, the speaker sits in the premium segment, well above mainstream smart speakers.

Recently launched in China, there are no current details of an Australian release.