Lenovo Smart Display vs. JBL Link View

Since Google is bringing the Nest Hub to Canada, we've taken an in-depth expect at the other two Google Banana-based smart displays available n of the U.Southward. border.

Smart displays are a natural progression from the regular voice-controlled smart speakers that are increasingly growing in popularity. Now, in Canada two manufacturers offer devices that back up Google'southward Android Things operating organization, the JBL Link View and the 8-inch Lenovo Smart Display — there's also a more expensive 10-inch Lenovo Smart Display.

They both office the same equally Google's Nest Hub, though Google'south Smart Display runs a modified version of the Google Bandage software. Every bit a result, even though both versions of the software await and human activity the same, they aren't.

To start, I demand to explain what adding a screen to a smart-speaker brings to the table.

What a Google smart display can exercise for you

Offset off, if you like Google Assistant powered smart speakers, so you'll honey having a smart brandish. Non only can it practice everything that a speaker does, but the screen shows contextual information that is both useful and intuitive.

For example, since I accept my commute setup in Google Maps, every morning nigh an hour before I leave for work half of the display's screen shows me the weather while the other half displays a carte du jour with a little map that informs me when the motorcoach is coming.

Some days, if I've set a reminder in Google Keep, I'll walk into my room, and the smart display has passively put the reminder on the screen for me, which is undeniably helpful.

And before I go to bed, there's usually upcoming calendar appointments on the screen.

When the screen has nothing to evidence y'all information technology rotates through photos or displays a clock face. Yous can choose for information technology to brandish pictures from Google, like the satellite views that users may be familiar with on Chromecast.

Additionally, the smart display can get through Google Photos Albums. Users can too choose to display an motorcar-updating carousel of pictures of your friends and family from Google Photos.

Further, the screen allows users to interact with smart domicile controls past touching the display instead of simply talking. When a user asks one of these products to "turn on the living room lights," for example, the screen pulls up a slider to give them more than controls to accommodate the brightness.

When setting an alarm or timer, in that location's a small plus button on the bottom of the screen that lets users set another alarm via touch controls.

Right out of the box, the display tin play YouTube videos and news briefings. Both of these devices accept Chromecast built in then you tin can bandage all kinds of content similar Crave and Plex, but Netflix isn't possible.

Embedding yourself in Google'south app ecosystem makes the process of using that display a lot easier since it can access your information and content.

Unlike the Nest Hub, both smart speakers are capable of making 2-mode video calls with Google Duo, and notably, you can switch the Lenovo version into portrait fashion. Both devices also feature small sliders that you can push button in front of the camera if you don't feel comfortable with having ane in your room.

Honestly, these devices are sexy

When it comes down to the appearance of the two displays, I don't think either looks quite equally cute equally the Nest Hub, merely the actress inch of screen real estate is an excellent improver to JBL and Lenovo'due south models.

I like the Lenovo Smart Display'due south more compact pattern. Its small indigestible frame fits well on a table or against a wall. I too like that the speaker is on the left of the 8-inch screen. Its shape and its off-white almost matte-grayness colouring seem modern, which is pleasing to look at.

The Link View, on the other hand, is black and rounded with speakers flanking both sides of the 8-inch screen. Each speaker is covered with dark grayness material.

It doesn't await bad by any ways, but the design doesn't strike me every bit attractive in comparison to Lenovo's offering.

Both devices are tilted back slightly so it's easy to see when yous're standing merely not so much that yous can't apply them if you're at eye level.

Fifty-fifty with its egg-like design I nonetheless love the JBL Link View since its speakers are fantastic.

Are we partying or not?

JBL packed two 51mm (ii-inch) full range drivers that together output 20W of power. It likewise features a tiny subwoofer in the back.

Honestly, when I first played music on the JBL information technology threw me off since information technology'due south a bit bass heavy, but after about an hour or so it grew on me. Now, I'm in love with its sound. I also paired it with a Google Home Mini that I've installed in a small-scale speaker chiffonier. The bass-lacking Mini helps even out the bass-heavy Link View in my room.

Google hasn't added EQ controls for tertiary-party smart displays yet, and then until that happens in that location isn't any other manner to balance out the bass. Still, when y'all desire to party the Link View has your back.

The Lenovo'southward speakers come up in with one 44mm (i.75-inch) 10W full range speaker and 2 passive tweeters, but it tin't compare to the Link View. Specifically, once you raise the volume to its max, there's distortion.

That said it's all the same a reasonably loud speaker with the book set to eight. The sound fills a room much better than another Bluetooth speakers and the Google Domicile Mini. Information technology's also not outputting bass anywhere about the levels of the Link View, all the same, it's make clean and clear.

Equally long every bit you're looking to use the speaker in a loud setting like a party or in a giant room, y'all'll be fine.

Then what display is correct for you lot?

Before I pass judgement on these two products, one thing that should be pointed out is the price. The JBL Link View retails for around $350 CAD while the Lenovo starts at $260, simply we've seen information technology go on sale for as low as $134 in the past.

Certain, the JBL packs a fantastic speaker but when it costs $90 more the Lenovo it actually should. And it's honestly hard to recommend for that price even though I love this smart little boombox.

Lenovo's speaker, on the other paw, offers decent value, specially if you're able to pick one up for $134. Sure, it's not going to exist the life of the party, but in all honesty, I know people that use Google Home Mini speakers in their kitchen to play music, and this is a big step up from that.

Likewise the speakers beingness passable it's a great device. It'due south fifty-fifty IPX4 splash proof and so information technology could be the perfect kitchen gadget.