Lenovo
The original Lenovo Smart Clock was one of the first intelligent alarms I actually liked that. In general, I prefer simpler alarms, but the Lenovo model has brought a sleek touchscreen to the bed so you can view the weather forecast or play music. It doubled as a Google Assistant smart speaker, similar to the Nest Mini. For the new Smart Clock Essential, Lenovo is following the mantra that less is more.
The simple touchscreen has been replaced by a clock, the weather and indicators for the alarm. As with the original Smart Clock, an ambient light sensor helps adjust brightness based on the light in the room. The Smart Clock Essential also has a night light embedded in the back of the body.
While I liked the original Lenovo Smart Clock, I've occasionally missed the functionality of smart displays like the Nest Hub, which allows you to watch videos and access a smart home control panel. You were able to check your smart cam on the watch but were generally limited to a few simple information screens. The Lenovo Smart Clock Essential goes further Smart displays, but it might still make sense if all you want is a smart speaker with an alarm clock.
The Essential has a physical button to control alarms, or you can set it with a voice command. It has a 3 watt speaker so you can still listen to music and join in groups for synced music with other Google smart speakers.
Lenovo Smart Clock: Google Assistant and Lenovo combine ...
There is also a smart speaker on Google that is comparable to that Amazon Echo Dot with clock. Google has not yet released its own branded smart speaker with a time display.
The price also makes the simplified screen appealing. The Lenovo Smart Clock Essential is priced at $ 49. This is the equivalent of the Nest Mini without a clock and $ 10 less than the Dot with a clock. Lenovo's simplified smart alarm is slated to hit shelves in time for the holidays.
CNET Smart Home and Appliances
Get Smart Home Reviews and Ratings, Video Reviews, Buying Guides, Prices and Comparisons from CNET.
Source link
