San Francisco, Dec 30: Samsung is reportedly planning a cheaper version of its Galaxy Home smart speaker powered by its voice assistant Bixby. While the specifications of the new speaker are not yet known it is presumed to have fewer of the features of the main Galaxy Home that Samsung announced in August, The Verge reported on Saturday. New Samsung Galaxy M Series Smartphones To Feature Infinity V Display; To Be Launched in India in January, 2019.

While the main Galaxy Home, which is yet to hit the market, could compete with Apple HomePod, which retails for $349, the mini Bixby-powered speaker could take on Google Home and Amazon Echo which are available for less than $200.

Originally reported by SamMobile, the mini Bixby speaker might have fewer microphones than the Galaxy Home and perhaps lack a subwoofer.

The premium Galaxy Home, which was showcased in the US during the flagship Galaxy Note 9 launch, is likely to feature eight microphones.

Elevated by three stout metal legs, the main Galaxy Home looks like a mini space capsule, wrapped in black fabric with a flat top housing touch-enabled control buttons. Best Five Smartphones Launched During 2018 in India; Apple iPhone XS Max, Google Pixel 3, OnePlus 6T, Samsung Galaxy Note 9 & Huawei Mate 20 Pro.

The three metal legs ensures the device can be kept anywhere at home - even in a cosy corner on the floor - while other smart speakers do need a desk or tabletop. Speculations are rife that Samsung could showcase the mini Galaxy Home at CES 2019 to be held in Las Vegas from January 8-11.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 31, 2018 11:59 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).