Mine just got an update, and it's overall pretty good. I think voice recognition and speed could be better. It does have a camera that you can use with Google Duo, but it crops the image to 4:3 or similar and doesn't auto-pan like the Home Hub Max or Portals do.
It definitely feels like it's getting a bit dated, so not sure I'd pay this, but I know it's a pretty big step up to get anything else with a 10" display/similar resolution.
While these are pretty neat devices to have, I wouldn't recommend this to anyone even for this price. Functionally speaking, these are fantastic for the bedroom given that the display is 1080p, speakers are great, and the display has a camera for Duo video calling.
Here's the downsides that I've run into:
Short of 90 days, my unit (a factory refurbished) had its speakers die out and nothing I did including factory resetting fixed the issue.
The display is great for casting content, but UI can be slow in some instances as compared to a modern smart phone touch UI.
The night time ambient mode is decent, but it makes in comparison to the Google Nest Hubs when used as a night stand. It just doesn't get dark enough.
Overall, the experience was good for the price I got it for ($82), but the short comings listed would deter me from recommending it to anyone that wants a night stand display or even a night stand with video chat.
Google's UI still has some polishing regarding advance features for settings and privacy, but this products QA is a standalone issue from Google.
Get it if you you want a cheap alternative to the Hub Max, but do your research on just how prevalent the issues I've listed are.
I have 2 of these same unit. One has been working quite well for about 2 years now. Second had the touch sensor on display die after about 4 months of use. Got it from Costco.com and is where it was sent straight back. That was replaced by a Google Nest Hub Max. I liked the Lenovo's microphone sensitivity better, as well as its speaker. But feel Google Nest Hub Max is better built quality wise.
I bought three of these from Costco and had to exchange two because of hardware issues, though that was two years ago and presumably they'll have sorted QC issues by now. They're pretty nice in the kitchen, surprisingly capable speakers. They've aged surprisingly well to boot.
I was an evangelist for this device and loved it until mine gave out just at a year in last month. Absolutely recommend at this price though...if I had paid only $99 bucks for it, I wouldn't be as aggravated with losing it.
Had this and the 8 inch. Sound quality was quite depressing. Sold them and bought jbl link views. Highly suggest that over the Lenovo if you are going to be using the speaker at all.
Got in on the Wally clearance and grabbed a few 8" models for $19.00 and a few 7" models for $25.00. Haven't even opened any yet but I think today is the day. I'm hoping they add Netflix support soon like they just did with the Google devices.
I just purchased the google nest hub @$50 a piece I like the device and was on the fence between it and the smaller Lenovo. One thing I'll have to say, I'm disappointed no Apple Music 3rd party support. Amazon echos have it, so I may revert back to them.
12 Comments
Your comment cannot be blank.
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
It definitely feels like it's getting a bit dated, so not sure I'd pay this, but I know it's a pretty big step up to get anything else with a 10" display/similar resolution.
Here's the downsides that I've run into:
Short of 90 days, my unit (a factory refurbished) had its speakers die out and nothing I did including factory resetting fixed the issue.
The display is great for casting content, but UI can be slow in some instances as compared to a modern smart phone touch UI.
The night time ambient mode is decent, but it makes in comparison to the Google Nest Hubs when used as a night stand. It just doesn't get dark enough.
Overall, the experience was good for the price I got it for ($82), but the short comings listed would deter me from recommending it to anyone that wants a night stand display or even a night stand with video chat.
Google's UI still has some polishing regarding advance features for settings and privacy, but this products QA is a standalone issue from Google.
Get it if you you want a cheap alternative to the Hub Max, but do your research on just how prevalent the issues I've listed are.
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.