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.

First came the smart speakers, then came the smart speakers with displays – and the Lenovo Smart Clock is one of the most compact smart displays yet, going head to head against devices like the Amazon Echo 5 and the Google Nest Hub. Is this a device worthy of a place in your growing smart home?

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.

So, yeah, that’s about it. It’s an alarm clock with Google Assistant built-in. Is it worth $79? While I do enjoy it very much so, the fact that you can’t stream any videos to it is a big disappointment.

Nice design; no built-in camera; dedicated mute switch; simple interface

Can't play videos; audio quality is just OK; seems a bit expensive

Google Assistant branches out into your smart home

Lenovo's Smart Clock Essential delivers just what's needed to get their day started the right way. The clock has the look of a retro-style clock radio, complete with a LED display, but is powered by Google Assistant.