You might be able to buy the JBL Link Bar someday

JBL announced the Link Bar in partnership with Google back in May of last year, just before I/O 2018. After missing its stated release window, JBL pushed back the release of the smart soundbar to sometime this spring. Unfortunately, the company is delaying the JBL Link Bar once again.

Android Police received the following screenshot from a reader. On it, you’ll see that the person’s JBL Link Bar pre-order has now been pushed back to July.

What made this $400 smart soundbar so intriguing is the fact that it’s both a Google Assistant speaker and Android TV set-top box in one. It’s pricey, but it’s a setup that has never been done before.

When asked for comment, JBL provided the following statement to Android Police:

The JBL LINK Bar’s in-market availability is now planned for mid-to-late summer. We look forward to bringing this dynamic, smart soundbar to consumers.

Interestingly, B&H Photo still has the JBL Link View listed on its website. While the retailer is no longer selling the device, it does state that pre-orders should begin again on May 1. That fits the expected July ship date, but I wouldn’t recommend putting money down for the soundbar until it’s actually available.