20 Aug 2024 12:24 20 Aug 2024 12:24
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Yandex has introduced the second generation of its budget smart speaker, the Station Light. The original model was launched four years ago, and the new version significantly differs from its predecessor—it boasts enhanced power, a display, and the ability to connect an external battery. However, these improvements have led to an increase in retail price, meaning that Station Light 2 can no longer be considered truly affordable.
Station Light, Version 2.0
Russian tech giant Yandex announced the release of its new smart speaker, Station Light 2, to CNews. Compared to the first generation, which was released in July 2021, the new model has undergone a complete transformation, both in design and functionality. Notably, it now features a built-in display made up of 36 LEDs, capable of showing not just information such as the current time and air temperature, but also various animations.
At launch, the Station Light 2 was priced at 6,000 rubles, significantly higher than the initial price of 4,000 rubles for the first Station Light, which increased to 4,500 rubles over four years. When CNews inquired about the discontinuation of the original Station Light, Yandex representatives stated that sales of that model “have not been stopped.”
Station Light 2
Initially, three color options are available for the new speaker’s casing: purple, pink, and blue. By the end of 2024, Yandex plans to release additional colors, including orange, green, and dark gray. The first generation of the “Light” was available in six colors, including yellow, purple, red, pink, beige, and mint green, but the options differed slightly.
The “Station Light 2” includes stickers and masks for customizing the speaker’s appearance.
First Generation Station Light
The development of “Station Light 2” was handled by Yandex’s Russian team, with manufacturing taking place in China, as confirmed by Yandex representatives to CNews. In response to questions about the price increase for “Light 2” compared to the first generation, they stated: “Pricing is affected by many factors, including component costs. The key differences for the second-generation ‘Station Light’ are the addition of an LED screen and a newly designed speaker specifically for this model.”
Fewer Microphones, More Power
One notable feature of the new Yandex speaker is the reduction in the number of built-in microphones—from four in the original Light to just two in the Light 2. Meanwhile, the power of the built-in speaker—now with a diameter of 44.5 mm—has increased from 5 to 6 W.
The speaker itself has grown slightly larger, measuring 97×63 mm compared to 90×55 mm for the first-generation model. It now includes a built-in screen, weighs 350 grams, and is powered via USB-C (5 V, 2 A, 10 W). The new model incorporates Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2.4 and 5 GHz) for wireless communication.
Other body colors are not yet available
The addition of Bluetooth greatly expands the speaker’s capabilities, allowing it to play music from devices like phones or computers without an Internet connection. However, the manufacturer does not state that USB drives can be connected via the USB-C port as a source for music.
Portable Speaker Option
One of the standout features of the “Station Light 2” is the potential for portability, which will be available before the end of 2024. This capability will come through a branded portable battery designed as a stand for the speaker. According to information sourced online, this battery will have a capacity of 2500 mAh.
The battery serves as a stand for the speaker
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The external battery weighs 100 grams, measures 83×24 mm, and uses a lithium-polymer cell, although it has a relatively short built-in cable of just 43 mm. The battery features a power button, an LED charging indicator, and a USB-C connector for recharging.
Yandex representatives claim that a fully charged battery will enable music playback for a maximum of three hours. The editors reached out to Yandex regarding the use of Station Light 2 with third-party external batteries, receiving the response: “The portable battery was designed specifically for Station Light 2. The speaker’s performance with other external batteries has not been tested and cannot be confirmed.” Yandex reiterated this statement.
Emotional Alice
Another innovative feature of the “Station Light 2” is its ability to display emotions on the screen. The built-in voice assistant, “Alice,” can express happiness, wink, or show sympathy, with the corresponding emotion appearing on the display. This capability is made possible through emotional synthesis technology.
Stickers are included in the package
This technology allows “Alice” to consider the context of a conversation, allowing her to select the appropriate intonation in her responses—she can express offense, sadness, surprise, and more.
Gennady Efremov
20 Aug 2024 12:24
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Yandex has released the second generation of the inexpensive smart speaker Station Light. The first model was released four years ago. The second generation is strikingly different from the first—it is more powerful, it now has a display and even the ability to connect an external battery. However, all these enhancements have affected the retail price—Station Light 2 can no longer be labeled as truly affordable.
Station Light, Version 2.0
Russian Internet giant Yandex announced the launch of a new smart speaker, Station Light 2. In comparison to its predecessor, released in July 2021, the latest product boasts a complete redesign, both aesthetically and functionally. It now features a built-in display made of 36 LEDs that can show a variety of information such as the current time, air temperature, and even various animations.
Upon release, the Station Light 2’s retail price was set at 6,000 rubles, significantly higher than the original’s launch price of 4,000 rubles, which had increased to 4,500 rubles over four years. When CNews inquired about the fate of the original Station Light, Yandex representatives assured that distribution has not been halted.
Station Light 2
Initially, the station is available in three colors: purple, pink, and blue, with plans for additional colors including orange, green, and dark gray by the end of 2024. The first generation had six options, featuring shades like yellow, purple, and red.
The “Station Light 2” includes stickers and masks for customizing the speaker’s appearance.
First generation “Station Light”
Hardware Updates and Features
Notably, the number of built-in microphones has been decreased from four to two, while the power of the built-in speaker increased from 5 W to 6 W with a diameter of 44.5 mm. The speaker itself is slightly larger than the original, measuring 97×63 mm compared to 90×55 mm.
It weighs 350 grams and is powered through USB-C (5 V, 2 A, 10 W), enhancing its connectivity with built-in Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2.4 and 5 GHz) capabilities.
Other body colors are not yet available
Bluetooth Functionality
The new Bluetooth capabilities allow users to stream music from their phones or computers without needing an internet connection, thereby expanding the speaker’s utility. However, using USB drives for music playback through the USB-C port is not supported.
Portability and Battery Solutions
A standout feature of the “Station Light 2” is its potential for portability, which will be achieved using a specially designed portable battery available by the end of 2024. This battery, designed as a stand for the speaker, boasts a capacity of 2500 mAh.
The battery is implemented in the form of a stand for the speaker
The external battery weighs 100 grams and has dimensions of 83×24 mm, powered by a lithium-polymer element. Despite its utility, it features a short cable—just 43 mm—and includes a power button, LED charge indicator, and USB-C connector for recharging.
Battery Life
Yandex representatives indicate that a fully charged battery will provide up to three hours of music playback. However, the speaker’s compatibility with third-party batteries remains untested according to Yandex’s statement.
Emotional AI with “Alice”
A highlight of the “Station Light 2” is its enriched interaction with the built-in voice assistant, “Alice.” The assistant can convey a range of emotions—cheering, winking, or sympathizing—displayed visually on the screen. This capability is powered by advanced emotional synthesis technology.
Stickers are included in the package.
Thanks to this innovation, “Alice” can effectively adapt her responses based on the conversation context, employing appropriate intonation that reflects various emotions, such as frustration, joy, or surprise.
Benefits of Station Light 2
- Enhanced Display: The LED screen adds a visual dimension to notifications and alerts.
- Improved Audio Quality: The upgraded speaker delivers better sound quality for music and calls.
- Modern Connectivity: Bluetooth and dual-band Wi-Fi expands usability.
- Customized Appearance: With the included stickers and decorative accessories, users can personalize their speaker to suit their style.
- Emotional Interaction: “Alice’s” use of emotions makes interactions more engaging and intuitive.
User Experience
Feedback from early adopters highlights satisfaction with the sound clarity and the interactive features of “Alice.” Users also appreciate the aesthetic improvements and customizable aspects that make it a stylish addition to any home or office.
Specifications Table
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Model | Station Light 2 |
| Speaker Power | 6 W |
| Microphones | 2 |
| Weight | 350 grams |
| Battery Capacity | 2500 mAh |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 802.11ac |
| Dimensions | 97×63 mm |
