Disclosure: I received this device to review as a member of the Lenovo INsiders' Program. All opinions are my own, and no one is reviewing my content before it is posted.
I have several smart home devices, from the Roomba to the Nest thermostat.
In this article, I'll go over these devices, and the Lenovo Smart Clock, which acts as a hub for them.
In this article, I'll go over these devices, and the Lenovo Smart Clock, which acts as a hub for them.
Temperature Controls
One of the most common thing I've said to my Lenovo Smart Clock this summer is "hey google, turn on the AC."
I have what is considered a "dumb" air conditioner. It has no WiFi connectivity, and is all controlled via an IR remote.
This is my actual air conditioner ;)
Via a little device called the "WiFi Smart IR Remote Controller," I'm able to control my AC completely via an app called "Smart Life." This app also has an API for the Google Assistant, which means that I'm able to control this WiFi IR Controller just by speaking to my Lenovo Smart Clock!
I use the WiFi Smart IR Remote Controller for just my air conditioning unit, but there are endless usage possibilities. It is able to send out an IR signal to any IR controlled device - this means televisions, radios, ceiling fans, and more. Imagine being able to control various devices in the room just by speaking to your alarm clock - that is possible with the Lenovo Smart Clock!
I use the WiFi Smart IR Remote Controller for just my air conditioning unit, but there are endless usage possibilities. It is able to send out an IR signal to any IR controlled device - this means televisions, radios, ceiling fans, and more. Imagine being able to control various devices in the room just by speaking to your alarm clock - that is possible with the Lenovo Smart Clock!
I also have a Nest thermostat for heating. The Nest learning thermostat is already WiFi connected, and has support for the Google Assistant. This means it's as simply as connecting your Nest account to Google and from there, you can control the temperature by speaking to the Lenovo Smart Clock!
Something I found extremely useful when it comes to controlling the temperature in the house is routines for the Google Assistant.
Essentially, setting up routines allow you to give a quick command, such as "I'm leaving home," and letting the assistant complete certain defined tasks. For example, when I tell my Lenovo Smart Clock that "I'm leaving home," it will then proceed to turn my AC off. When I say "I'm back home," it will then proceed to turn on the air conditioner. This is a simple way to automate things in your home, and it works really well with home comfort devices.
You should see Routines upon opening the Google Home app. From there, you should be able to create or manage existing routines.
Essentially, setting up routines allow you to give a quick command, such as "I'm leaving home," and letting the assistant complete certain defined tasks. For example, when I tell my Lenovo Smart Clock that "I'm leaving home," it will then proceed to turn my AC off. When I say "I'm back home," it will then proceed to turn on the air conditioner. This is a simple way to automate things in your home, and it works really well with home comfort devices.
You should see Routines upon opening the Google Home app. From there, you should be able to create or manage existing routines.
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Outlet Plugs
I bought several Smart Plugs during Prime Day, and I have found uses for every single one of them because of the simplicity of controlling them via my Lenovo Smart Clock.
One smart plug is connected to my router and modem. Every so often, my internet will stop working. In the past, I would have go to the supply room to manually unplug and plug in my modem and router to get the internet back up and running again. With the Lenovo Smart Clock and the Google Assistant, I simply say "hey google, restart the internet." This runs a routine I set up which automatically cuts power to the modem and router for a minute, then supplies power again. Internet disconnection issues are now much easier to solve with the Lenovo Smart Clock, and it's great that I have this control all in my bedroom.
There are other uses for these smart outlets, such as controlling Christmas lights, outdoor porch lights, or speakers. While it's not quite Christmas season yet, I am sure that I will be telling my Lenovo Smart Clock everyday in December to turn off and on the lights this holiday season!
One smart plug is connected to my router and modem. Every so often, my internet will stop working. In the past, I would have go to the supply room to manually unplug and plug in my modem and router to get the internet back up and running again. With the Lenovo Smart Clock and the Google Assistant, I simply say "hey google, restart the internet." This runs a routine I set up which automatically cuts power to the modem and router for a minute, then supplies power again. Internet disconnection issues are now much easier to solve with the Lenovo Smart Clock, and it's great that I have this control all in my bedroom.
There are other uses for these smart outlets, such as controlling Christmas lights, outdoor porch lights, or speakers. While it's not quite Christmas season yet, I am sure that I will be telling my Lenovo Smart Clock everyday in December to turn off and on the lights this holiday season!
Robots!!! I have the Roomba i7, which has WiFi connectivity and works with the Google Assistant. It's really convenient to start a cleaning job from the comfort of my bedroom. My Roomba model has the ability to remember the rooms in your house, and clean each room individually. This means that I can ask my Lenovo Smart Clock to "clean the hallway," and like Rosie the Robot, it goes straight to the hallway. I'm able to ask my alarm clock to vacuum my floors. It feels like the future. |
Other Smart Home Devices
There are a ton of other smart home devices that work very well with the Lenovo Smart Clock. The one I want to try out the most is the Nest Video Doorbell. Since the Lenovo Smart Clock has a display on it, I can stream video from the front door - all from the comfort of my alarm clock. Who knew an alarm clock could be this versatile?!
WIth all Internet of Things devices, the possibilities are truly endless. The Lenovo Smart Clock works not only as a fancy alarm clock, but also as a control center for all these smart devices. I'm able to command various devices in the house just with the power of my voice. I don't know about you, but I think that's the future.
Check out my Lenovo Smart Clock review here!
WIth all Internet of Things devices, the possibilities are truly endless. The Lenovo Smart Clock works not only as a fancy alarm clock, but also as a control center for all these smart devices. I'm able to command various devices in the house just with the power of my voice. I don't know about you, but I think that's the future.
Check out my Lenovo Smart Clock review here!
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