Smart speakers possess features including voice recognition, internet connectivity, and integration with various smart home devices. They function primarily through natural language processing to interpret user commands, allowing for tasks like playing music, setting reminders, or controlling home appliances. These devices leverage cloud computing to access vast databases and services, responding to queries in real-time. Additionally, smart speakers often come equipped with AI assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant, enhancing user experience by providing personalized interactions and learning from user preferences to improve responsiveness over time.