The global smart speaker market reaches a new high in 2019, Strategy Analytics reports, as shipments total 146.9 million units-- a 70% increase over 2018, with Amazon remaining squarely in the lead, if with a decline in market share.

According to the analyst, Amazon holds 26.2% of the 2019 market, down from 33.7% in 2018. Google remains in 2nd place with 20.3% share, down from 25.9% in 2018, with both Amazon and Google seeing "slight" decline in Europe and the US, the result of customers looking to other brands to fulfill their smart speaker needs. On the other hand, Chinese vendors Baidu, Alibaba and Xiaomi all see increases in share, while Apple remains in 6th place with 4.7% share.

Another record for 2019 involves Q4 2019 sales reaching 55.7m units, the highest quarterly sales figure as per Strategy Analytics. Driving such numbers are strong holiday sales in Europe and the US, as well as the recovery of the Google smart speaker business following new product introductions, improved component supply and strong promotional activity.

ISE 2020 has SnapAV announce Signature by Episode, a line of custom install speakers offering 32 models across three series, all with one and two-step installation options and seven optional cradle accessories.

Installers can pair the speakers with pre-construction brackets, back boxes and an assortment of grille options. Models in the Signature by Episode 3 series feature polypropylene woofers and silk dome tweeters for all-purpose performance, while while models in the Signature 5 series are a step up with polypropylene woofers and adjustable silk dome tweeters, both with vacuum-deposited titanium for added performance. Signature 7 series models feature honeycomb fibreglass Nomex woofers and pure titanium tweeters for discerning listeners.

Origin Acoustics adds three floor-standing powered subwoofers to the Performance Subwoofer range, all featuring coated paper woofers, high-powered digital amplifiers and lightly textured and brushed finished.

According the company, the subwoofers deliver more volume and lower frequencies from a smaller cabinet complete with a more attractive aesthetic. The collection also benefits from an additional down-firing passive radiator providing extended bass frequencies and volume with no extra power consumption. All models feature a premium grain finish, the result of a hybrid wrap with a tactile finish making them suitable for display.

L-Acoustics Creations showcases a sound space solution aimed at luxury residential and architectural installations at ISE 2020-- the Island Prestige, a system one can describe as a self-contained personal auditorium.

Designed for open plan living spaces, unusually shaped media rooms or as an alternative to in-wall speaker installation, Island Prestige is a modular solution the company claims is quick and easy to install. It operates as a stand-alone system with own Bubble Deck controls, or integrated with a projector, screen, lighting, blinds and other home technologies.