There are features that will impress some. While it is convenient to only have to say “stop” to the Smart Clock when the alarm sounds (avoiding the “Hey Google” catchphrase), this isn’t enough to make it a must-have on your nightstand. The speaker on the Lenovo’s Smart Clock was stronger than the Google Home Mini, but it is only designed for your bedroom to catch up on a news briefing, listen to a podcast, or wake up to an alarm. ![]() While it might be twice the price, the cost isn’t outside the scope of what many would spend for the tasks we expect from a touch screen display. The Google Home Hub seems to blow the Lenovo Smart Clock out of the water without even trying, because it is simply what we expect from a smart device with a screen. I cannot make video calls on it or fall asleep to an episode of M.A.S.H. While that habit may date me I think that it reflects the thinking in Lenovo’s design of a digital alarm clock that doesn’t play video, can’t make a video call, and doesn’t use graphics in a Google search. Inside the Google universe, Lenovo seems to have missed the mark with this clock. Lenovo didn’t offer enough features to wage a war for me. I’ve been relegated to the couch enough times by my wife, so all is fair. I relegated the Smart Clock to a bathroom radio to keep peace with my wife. Additionally, I struggled with the brightness of the screen, finding it somewhat annoying to navigate, even though Lenovo touts the smart screen to dim with the changing time of day. Instead, the display is underwhelming in that it allows you to see only the time and a few other display options. You won’t see graphics from your late-night Google queries on who the 23rd President of the United States was - so Benjamin Harrison’s handsome face will continue in obscurity. There isn’t a camera on the device (Lenovo espoused privacy as the reason). However, the Smart Clock screen isn’t designed for the 21st century in my view. ![]() Connecting to a Nest security system seems like a huge step forward when you hear a noise downstairs. It connects to the Google universe, you can connect the device to an assortment of Google supported devices using the Google app. It’s nice to see the weather pop up on my alarm clock. Setting up preferences and honing the display was seamless and enjoyable. It resembles an alarm clock and takes up little space on your nightstand, making room for the latest Dean Koontz novel. I like Lenovo as a company, and a Smart Clock designed for the bedroom seemed promising. To start, there are a few bright spots that made me excited to try the product. Incorporating the $50 Lenovo Smart Clock into my connected life seemed like a natural progression forward, but it’s actually a regressive step in the smart home movement. “Hey Google” is quickly becoming the phone-a-friend solution at the dinner table. “Alexa” is the most yelled name in my house.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |