A smart speaker is a voice-activated device that serves as both a speaker and a hub for controlling various smart home devices. Equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) and connected to the internet, it can respond to spoken commands, play music, set alarms, answer questions, provide weather updates, and perform various tasks through virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri. These devices can also integrate with smart home systems to control lights, thermostats, security cameras, and more. With built-in microphones and speakers, smart speakers are designed to offer hands-free convenience, making them a central part of many connected homes.