Lenovo’s $90 Smart Clock 2 features a wi-fi charging pad | Engadget

Lenovo is again with extra good clocks. It’s one in all a handful of third-party corporations that make Google Assistant-powered shows, and we have been . Lenovo then adopted it up with , which was principally a smaller alarm clock with audio system and a mic so that you can discuss to Google’s Assistant. This time round, the corporate is launching the Smart Clock 2, and it gives some enhancements over its predecessor for $10 extra. Plus, it comes with a wi-fi charging pad that permits you to juice up your suitable gadgets and doubles as a nightlight.

Like its predecessor, the Smart Clock 2 is a four-inch show encased in a cute, form of pyramid-shaped body. It seems almost similar to the final mannequin, besides it has a taller base under the display screen now. This is probably going as a result of Lenovo moved the gadget’s audio system to the entrance, so that they now hearth outwards, which is sweet for individuals who place these clocks in entrance of partitions or on cabinets.

The material protecting the Smart Clock 2 can be just about the identical as earlier than, however there are two new coloration choices to select from: black and blue. They’re each refined hues and are inoffensive sufficient to mix into most residing areas or bedrooms.

The most evident {hardware} distinction on the brand new Smart Clock is the addition of the wi-fi charging dock. It’s not fairly clear whether or not that is included in all places but — a press launch says that is an elective accent, however Lenovo informed Engadget that the $90 value consists of the pad. It’s attainable these within the US will solely be capable to buy the bundle slightly than get the clock by itself for cheaper.

Whether the mat comes with otherwise you select to purchase it, you’ll be getting a wi-fi charging floor to your Qi-compatible gadgets. There’s additionally a USB-A socket on the again edge for wired charging, since there isn’t any longer one on the display screen’s rear. The left half of this dock is reserved for the clock, which attaches and is powered by way of pogo pins. Slightly tube encircles the gadget’s base and it lights up once you carry the clock barely.

Lenovo mentioned a software program replace is coming that may also allow you to set off the nightlight by swiping down on the display screen. Both strategies are supposed to allow you to activate the bulb with out having to say something to the Assistant, so you possibly can keep away from waking mild sleepers once you want illumination to your midnight pee.

The software program management wasn’t out there after I checked the Smart Clock 2 out at a current demo in New York, however the night time mild did activate after I popped the gadget off its charger. It emitted a mushy glow that wasn’t in any respect obtrusive in our convention room, however I can think about it’d be lots vivid in a darkish bed room.

The remainder of the Smart Clock 2’s options are just about the identical as the unique — swipe on the display screen to see and set alarms, get the climate forecast, management your good residence gadgets and extra. You can choose a brand new darkish theme to make the interface simpler in your corneas at night time, and the Assistant is obtainable to your spoken requests. There’s additionally a microphone mute change if you happen to’d slightly the gadget not hear you, and as with earlier fashions, there’s no digicam right here.

I’ve been a fan of Lenovo’s good clocks and am comfortable to see the road get some love, even when it’s within the type of a minor replace. While I don’t use wi-fi charging a lot and would slightly get the clock by itself, I might see myself utilizing it extra for issues like earbuds and smartwatches. At $90, the Smart Clock 2 is much less tempting than the unique however because it’ll solely be out there in September, there’s time to attend until we get a overview unit in to inform if the updates are well worth the value hike.