Smart speakers are all around us. A few years ago, Google and other major manufacturers tried to convince us that smart screens belong in the living room, and even in the bedroom. Many people have bought into the idea of following recipes, making video calls in the kitchen, controlling music and watching movies more freely. However, a few things have changed since then, and it now appears that Google has quietly killed several third-party smart displays.
9to5Google I noticed that Google has quietly discontinued several smart displays, including the Lenovo Smart Display 7, 8, and 10 inches, as well as the JBL Link View and LG Xboom AI ThinQ WK9 Smart Displays on its “Making Duo Calls on Speakers and Smart Displays” page. the support. Google didn’t provide an explanation, just a quiet notice.
IMPORTANT: Google no longer provides software updates for these third-party smart displays: Lenovo Smart Display (7″, 8″, and 10″), JBL Link View, and LG Xboom AI ThinQ WK9 Smart Display. This may affect the quality of video calls and meetings.
It should be noted that Google first announced its Google Assistant-powered smart displays at CES in 2018, and the rest of the products went on sale soon after. It is not clear if the devices reached the end of their lifespan after about five years, or if they could no longer support new features due to hardware limitations. However, they should continue to function without issues, although they are not expected to receive further software support directly from Google.
Google is not new to quietly discontinuing its services, platforms, and apps, but it is still surprising to see that the company has not made an official announcement to discontinue these products.
Why is Google killing third-party smart displays?
Google Pixel tablet on wireless charging dock. Source: Google
One possible explanation for the killing of smart displays is a renewed focus on tablets, an adjustment within Google to compete for the best AI assistant features that took the world by storm just a few months ago. As it stands, Google is behind Microsoft in the AI department, and has some work to do to catch up.
Already Google is said to have delayed development and made some cuts in the Google Assistant department to allow teams to focus on next-generation AI and Google Bard features. For those unaware, Google’s answer to ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Bing AI Chat is Bard. This tool can provide next-generation language and conversation capabilities supported by LaMDA (Language Model for Dialog Applications). In simpler terms, it’s Google Assistant on steroids, capable of answering complex questions and providing useful answers in a matter of seconds.
Another possible explanation is Google’s renewed focus on Android tablets. Google has already announced that it’s working on a Pixel Tablet, and it’s due to be unveiled in the near future, possibly at Google I/O 2023. The upcoming tablet will reportedly feature a stand, potentially allowing users to turn it into a smart display when not in use. , providing the best of both worlds while being a portable and slim tablet.
Google’s Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max will continue to receive updates and new features in the meantime. As for the Lenovo Smart Clock 2, it is currently unclear if it will have the same fate as other smart displays. I found out that the Google Photos gallery feature stopped working a few months ago, and the feature allowing me to set my gallery as it used to was not fixed. It could be a one-time feature that hasn’t been fixed yet, or something that’s broken and not likely to be fixed. Nobody knows at this point.
Excellent smart screens with continuous software support
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Google Nest Hub
The latest Nest Hub (2nd generation) from Google features a 7-inch screen, making it the perfect device for your bedside table. It also comes with many features such as a smart home hub, the ability to make calls, sleep tracking, and ad support for entertainment apps. Check out all the deals on the device using the links provided below.
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Google Nest Hub Max
Google Nest Hub Max comes with a 10-inch touch screen, built-in Google Assistant, and other cool features. It’s excellent for making calls, listening to music, and keeping you connected.
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Amazon Echo Show 5
The Amazon Echo Show 5 comes with a 2MP camera, a 5.5-inch display, and a single 1.7-inch speaker. It has a built-in shutter and microphone, and can control smart home devices with Alexa.
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Amazon Echo Show 8
The Amazon Echo Show 8 is one of the best and most affordable smart displays available today, and right now, you can get it for even less. It comes with an 8-inch screen, stereo sound, and other great features.
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Amazon Echo Show 10
Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) comes with a 10-inch HD smart display and Alexa built-in. The smart display has a 13MP camera with an auto-frame motion sensor, which always keeps you in the frame. It is ideal for making calls, watching movies, and listening to music along with controlling smart home devices.
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Amazon Echo Show 15
The Amazon Echo Show 15 is the Echo Show if you want a device that matches your home’s aesthetic and can provide plenty of useful information that’s easy to understand at a glance.
