Hands-on with Ambient Assistant Mode for Android Devices



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At IFA 2019, Lenovo unveiled two new Android tablets incorporating the new Ambient Assistant mode as standard, which allowed us to jump directly to the new mode.

You probably know that Google likes to create objects more than once. This naturally leads us to the Assistant Surround Mode – a new approach to turning your Android smartphone or tablet into a Nest hub or a smart Google display when it's plugged in.

The new mode, which we have already seen, largely replicates what makes Wizard-equipped smart displays such an elegant addition to your home. The biggest difference is the portability and multiple use cases that you can apply to a tablet that may not be quite possible with a static display.

Lenovo advocates for Ambient Assistant mode on almost any tablet, because the form factor makes it ideal for extending your Google Home controls. I will say that from the start, the system will probably be more attractive to many of you.


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Lenovo understands that many people have a tablet and may not be using it as often as they should. Ambient Assistant mode extends usability by allowing you to dock your device and gain access to additional features. All this without the need of another Google Home device or Google Nest Hub.

Two of the devices currently capable of running this new mode are the Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab and the Smart Tab M8, as well as the Nokia 6.2 and Nokia 7.2 when charging. They do not come with particularly upsetting specifications or designs. I think it certainly helps to sell Ambience Assistant a bit more, because your phone is probably much more capable of doing anything other than everyday tasks.

Connecting to a dock activates the new dashboard, which will automatically launch into your Google Photos. The layout is slightly modified, but it mimics the Google Nest Hub and many other smart screens. The Yoga Smart Tab is distinguished by the inclusion of a kick-stand. The flip instantly activates the Google Assistant Ambient mode.

This opens up even more opportunities for smart home control, at least in my opinion. Ability to mount your tablet natively in a multitude of positions while retaining the essentials of what makes the Nest Hub such a strong device.

Initial verdict

Given the price of two Lenovo tablets with this Ambient Assistant mode, after a short, practical session, I can certainly see the appeal. You get not only a form factor for the tablet but also the possibility of having a properly transportable smart display.

I also like a lot the darker theme. Google, please, can we get a dark theme suitable for smart screens that mimics the theme seen here. It looks so much more elegant and with dark themes more and more requested, it really makes sense.

Having the feature rolled out slowly on more and more smartphones and tablets will also be a huge bonus, since being able to use your Android phone essentially as a smart screen on your bedside table could cut into the Nest Hub line, but would be an impressive bonus. functionality.

Being able to view your calendar, weather, smart home technologies and more from an easy-to-manage dashboard is also an added bonus. I think this could be an excellent technology for parents. As it allows you to add a totally integrated video monitor for baby, it is completely portable and reasonably affordable.

Hopefully it spreads quickly to other smartphones and tablets because, as things stand, you have to choose Lenovo or Nokia to use the new Ambient Assistant mode.

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