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Lenovo has taken to CES 2022 with several strong focus areas but the most interesting may be in the smart home category. For this year’s CES, Lenovo is bringing a refresh for its oversized smart home hub, the Smart Frame. It’s also bringing a new take on its Smart Clock Essential. And the latter aimed squarely at Amazon Alexa users. That’s as opposed to the Google Home ecosystem targeted with its previous releases.
Now, the new Lenovo Smart Clock Essential with Alexa Built-in couldn’t be readily confused with the company’s prior smart clock offering either. At least not aesthetically. The new gadget comes in a form factor that’s much closer to Lenovo’s full-size Smart Clock. And, in fact, it even comes with available accessories similar to this full-size offering. Including a new Lenovo Ambient Light Dock and kid-friendly Squid and Sealion-inspired Ambient Light Docks.
In terms of functionality, the new Lenovo Smart Clock Essential with Alexa Built-in is a worthy contender in the bedside smart home space. Like its Google Assistant counterpart, this smart clock works as a customizable alarm clock. It also packs a rear-facing USB-A port for charging and a cloth-centric design in either a Misty Blue or Clay Red coloration.
There’s no camera on the new Lenovo smart clock but it does feature mics. Those are used for easy access to Alexa. And to take control over “Works with Alexa” smart home accessories via a Wi-Fi connection. Of course, the mics can also be muted as needs dictate. And, with its 3W full-range speakers, works for consuming media as well.
A new Lenovo ‘Smart Frame’ has arrived at CES 2022 too
The second new smart home offering brought to CES 2022 by Lenovo also falls into the smart home category. Namely, that’s a refresh for Lenovo’s 21.5-inch canvas-stylized, Google Photo’s-connected Smart Frame, released back in 2020. But, of course, there are some upgrades this time around too.
Not least of all, the new Lenovo Smart Frame still supports but now doesn’t require Google Photos. Instead, users can simply upload their photos to the frame’s built-in memory via their smartphone. Videos are supported now too, from either location, while Instagram Channels will also be supported “soon.”
In terms of additional functionality, Lenovo is also adding in the ability to leave sticky notes on the screen. Those can be scheduled and timed so that they appear when they need to. And for only as long as they need to.
Finally, Lenovo also previewed a new experience, which it hopes will grow into a full-fledged ecosystem for Smart Frame at CES 2022. That’s dubbed Interactive Activities, and current designs utilize the Lenovo Smart Frame for a more “pop-up interactive experience.” With a focus on connecting to the frame via compatible fitness or mini-game accessories.
For Interactive Activities, Lenovo envisions devices such as a Bluetooth-enabled rolling wrist ball workout tool that interacts with the Smart Frame. Effectively turning the frame into a more well-being-focused display that helps users track training and workouts. But which could ultimately extend well beyond that.
Pricing and availability
For pricing, Lenovo hasn’t revealed every exact detail, per its announcement. It has announced availability for the US region. Following the announcement, the new Wireless Charging Dock with Night Light will be available already, with compatibility for the original Lenovo Smart Clock. While the Lenovo Smart Frame will be available specifically in North America and Australia.
The Lenovo Ambient Light Dock, conversely, will be available sometime in the first quarter of the year. It will ship with an MSRP of $29.99. While the Lenovo Smart Clock Essential with Alexa Built-in Will be available this month, starting at $59.99.
