fully embraced the smart display, and whilst many vendors are yet to take their first tentative steps, the Chinese tech firm is already rolling out a new variation on the theme, and it's really rather good.

If you're a Google dependent user then the integration of Calendar, Alarms, Nest Cam, Routines and more will make the Smart Clock a great integration and control hub for your smart home.

Great way to easily integrate into your Google life (including Calendar / Alarms / Weather / Nest camera / Spotify and more); No built-in camera alleviates security concerns; Gradual wake-up and customisable alarms; Physical volume controls; Auto-brightness and mono screen for good bedside manner -...

"Hey" and "OK" Google summons still irksome and can't be changed; Auto-brightness isn't on by default; Can't mute mic on/off switch; Google Home app could be simpler overall; An OLED panel would be an even savvier choice

If you're just looking for an alarm clock with Google Assistant, the Lenovo Smart Clock will satisfy. If you want a smart display with good sound or useful video features, look elsewhere.

Inexpensive; Attractive; Google Assistant works well.

Poor audio quality; No video playback or photo frame functionality; Little visual information from Google Assistant.

Lenovo's Smart Clock and Amazon's Echo Spot are appealing because they combine conveniences of a virtual assistant with a piece of technology that almost everyone needs. Tiny smart displays could make useful smart alarm clocks purely because we all need something to wake us up each morning.

Small design that fits easily on a desk or nightstand; USB port for charging other devices; No camera; Speakers get quite loud, and sound quality is decent for such a small device.

Slow performance; Currently can only show feeds from Nest home security cameras; Google Home app is still a mess; Cannot show all of the visual information that the larger Nest Hub or Smart Display can.

The Lenovo Smart Clock is not a full-blown smart hub or display but it’s also not being marketed as such. If you’re looking for Google Assistant functionality in the bedroom, the Lenovo Smart Clock is definitely a fantastic choice given its size and functionality.

Small; slick design; Soft touch fabric finish; Crisp; clear screen; Microphone mute toggle; Works with Nest video; Supports Google routines; Easy set up; Tap to snooze; Sunrise Alarm feature is great; Various preset clock faces and alarm tones

No FM Radio; Might be a bit pricey for some; Limited video options; No camera; No backup battery

The first 'smart displays' running Google Assistant were released last year, including Google's own Home Nest Hub . They're all 7-10 inches across, with enhanced functionality over audio-only speakers.

Design The Lenovo Smart Clock is covered in fabric, and won't take up much space on your bedstand; Google Assistant The world's best digital assistant is here.

Questionable utility The screen isn't used for much else than displaying the time and media controls — it can't even display images from Google Photos on the clock face; Price The Google Home Mini is less than half the price of the Smart Clock, but it can do almost everything the clock can do.

With a smart design and smarter features, the Lenovo Smart Clock is a simple and practical realization of what a smart clock should be.

Compact design; Fun clock-face options; Good audio (for a clock); Smart alarm features

Limited visual skills; No color options

We can’t say for certain how well the Smart Clock would fare in a bathroom but we’re curious. It’s hard to say how well it would stand up over time to moisture from showers so we won’t be trying it. With that said, it would be a great addition to bathrooms and other dressing areas.

Lenovo was the first to launch a smart display last year, using the Google Assistant , with the Lenovo Smart Display. In 2019, it's looking to pioneer another form-factor for smart displays. And that's a smaller, more compact smart display that is effectively a clock.

Before it got into the smart screen market with the Nest (nee Home) Hub, Google opted to let its hardware partners do the heavy lifting. Last year at CES, it announced a trio of devices from JBL, LG and Lenovo.