Smart Displays With Google Assistant Are Now Available
Google is launching Smart Displays, a new category of devices for the smart home that brings the Google Assistant to an interactive screen. And the first Smart Display from Lenovo will go on sale in major U.S. retail and online stores this weekend.
With the Google Assistant built in, the Lenovo Smart Display brings you the best of Google services, including Maps, YouTube, Calendar, Duo and Photos, in a visual way. It's easy to set up, so you can immediately enjoy entertainment, control your smart home, stay in touch with friends and family, and manage your day with voice commands and touch gestures.
Here are a few things you can do:
- Stream music with YouTube Music, Google Play Music, Spotify, and Pandora, with free tier available for all services
- Stay informed with Google News, including the latest video news briefs featuring national and local publishers like CNBC, CBS, and Cheddar
- Jam to your favorite radio stations with iHeartRadio and TuneIn
- Catch up on your favorite podcasts with Google Podcasts
- Or listen to audiobooks from Google Play Books. With audiobooks or podcasts, your Assistant will pick up right where you left off, even if you were listening on your phone earlier.
If you have a YouTubeTV membership, you can enjoy live or recorded TV in your library, no remote control necessary.The next time you want to turn on the game, you can say "Hey Google, watch ESPN" to start streaming. Many other popular video services are supported too, including HBO Now, Google Play Movies & TV and Crackle.
Your Assistant can even help you prepare a meal on Smart Displays. Browse through thousands of recipes, then the Assistant can provide step-by-step hands-free guidance on screen. Of course, you can set timers and play music while you cook.
Google Assistant Routines makes it easier to stay on top of your day using your Smart Display. Just say "Hey Google, good morning" to get a verbal and visual summary of the weather, traffic to work, reminders, your agenda and then play a video news brief from your preferred news sources.
You can even create and manage a shopping list on your Smart Display and bring up your list on your phone when you're at the grocery store. Or, avoid the trip and order a delivery with Google Express from your favorite stores like Costco, Target and Walmart
With video calling on Google Duo, you can connect with your closest friends and family on Smart Displays. Duo is also built in on Android phones and available for free on iOS, so you can call your friends and family hands-free across devices. Just say, "Hey Google, call Rachel" to start a video or audio call.
The Lenovo Smart Display is available in two display sizes and colors: the 8-inch HD version for $199.99 and the 10-inch Full-HD version for $249.99, and they both come with a full-range 10 watt speaker. You can grab it on shelves or online at Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon.com, Costco.com, SamsClub.com, Lenovo.com and other stores.
Google will expand the Smart Display options with other partners, including JBL and LG, coming soon.