Last year, Lenovo launched a Smart Clock offering the functionality of an alarm clock combined with the very helpful Google Assistant. Now that same combo is being offered in a cheaper package.
This week, Lenovo launched the Smart Clock Essential. At $49.99, it's $30 cheaper than the Smart Clock and has a footprint of just 64-by-121-by-83mm while weighing 328 grams. Within its tiny frame you get a 4-inch LED display, a 1.5-inch 3W speaker, two microphone array, and buttons to mute the microphone, adjust the volume, and to handle play and alarm functionality.
As well as acting as an alarm clock, the Smart Clock Essential doubles as a 31 lumens night light, but also includes Google Assistant functionality. You can even turn the night light on using a voice command. The clock is powered by an Amlogic A113X processor, complimented by 4GB of RAM and 4GB of flash storage, so it shouldn't struggle to handle clock, alarm, or Assistant duties in any way.
Google is keen to push Lenovo's new clock as an affordable, minimalist solution that's at home on your nightstand or your desk. It's small enough to fit anywhere you desire, while replacing other, potentially more expensive smart speakers that don't display the time, day of the week, temperature, and weather outlook as standard features. At the same time, it will happily play you the latest news briefings, podcasts, or some music. Lenovo also points out its clock can be used to control over 40,000 compatible smart devices.
When PCMag reviewed the original Smart Clock last year, we were far from impressed. Although it was inexpensive and nice to look at, poor audio quality, no video playback, and a lack of visual information from Google Assistant were all marks against it. Hopefully Lenovo has improved the audio for the Essential, at least.