Sound QualityThe Lenovo Smart Display 8 has fair overall sound quality. Bass has so-so impact is subdued and lacks deep bass. Midrange is grainy, and somewhat hazy. Treble is subdued, a bit sizzly and upper treble is muted. Doesn't do a good job of recovering room ambience and is somewhat congested. No significant difference between WiFi and Bluetooth sound quality. Provide adequate listening volume for a small sized room. The speaker is monophonic.
Versatility
Versatility is Good. It's a monophonic speaker which lacks Multi-Room support. Wireless: WiFi supports dual-band and it has Bluetooth. Digital Assistant Muting: Has a dedicated touch control to disable the digital assistant by muting its microphones. Audio Connections: Lacks analog audio inputs and outputs. OS Support: iOS, Android. Other connections and features: Lacks a USB device port. Display: Has a touchscreen information display. Streaming by voice command: Supports voice command of common streaming services such as Google-Play Music, Pandora, Spotify, Tune-In and iHeart Radio. Voice ID: Supports voice identity - a feature which allows the account holder with their voice print to access personal information.
Ease of Use
Overall ease of use of the Lenovo Smart Display 8" is very good. Wireless setup: Setup requires an app downloaded to a device or device connection, easy and intuitive - need instructions (may be included in app), may or may not involve inputting WiFi network password, and account setups. Console controls: The volume controls are low contrast labeled (+/-), and once familiar the touch screen control is available after swiping up. Volume may also be controlled via a natural language command which has a non-persistent graphical position marking on the display. Audio mute: Well marked, well placed, but no indication on unit when muting is engaged. Microphone mute: Dedicated control but the marking is not the most obvious, clear indication when it is engaged. Source selections: Requires app to be installed, app installation is straight forward. Once app is installed switching between inputs requires selecting the -cast- icon in a 3rd party supported app. Fairly intuitive but subject to 3rd Party implimentation of cast selection. App remote: Volume control not obvious due to extremely poor placement - only available when content is playing; however, it is repeatable with clear graphic and index of setting. Mute: (Remote) Dedicated control but the marking is not the most obvious, clear indication when it is engaged. Voice transport controls: Natural language control of transport (Play/Pause/Skip/Mute), volume controls and source selection was easy and intuitive.
