Imagine a traveller preparing for an international business trip. With Lenovo Smart Connect, they can start a presentation on their ThinkPad, make some edits using their tablet during the flight, and then seamlessly switch to their Motorola phone for a quick review before the meeting—without worrying about device compatibility or transferring files between different ecosystems.
Lenovo Smart Connect
It was great to see Lenovo return to a somewhat more open display of technology at this year’s MWC in Barcelona. They held an open booth to show off their large selection of technology, new devices, and even a headline-grabbing new prototype ThinkBook.
I’m one of the brand’s biggest fans and a frustrated critic when they are not putting themselves out there amongst the competition. They were missed during IFA last year and had a very subdued (by Lenovo standards) closed booth at CES in January.
Yet, just last October, they staged their event, Lenovo Tech World, with enough hardware, software and AI to blow everyone away!
Along with a wide range of new ThinkPads, ThinkBooks, accessories, and even a prototype of the transparent ThinkBook, there was the announcement on Smart Connect.
Lenovo and Motorola have unveiled software called Smart Connect, which aims to unify users’ interactions with their digital devices. This innovative solution will seamlessly integrate digital ecosystems, allowing for an effortless transition between PCs, phones, and tablets.
One of the most notable aspects of Smart Connect is its ability to maintain a continuous workflow across different devices without the need for them to operate on the same system.
This marks a significant shift from the conventional approach, where users often rely on devices within the same ecosystem to ensure compatibility and smooth transitions.
Smart Connect will introduce new experiences and possibilities for users and will be available on any Lenovo PC running on Windows 10 or later through the Microsoft store, and on select Lenovo tablets and Motorola devices through the Google Play Store.
Lenovo
Smart Connect introduces several vital features that cater to the needs of modern users. The Cross Control function enables users to navigate between their PC, tablet, and phone using a single keyboard and mouse, creating a unified control experience. This is particularly useful for tasks that require data or content from multiple sources, such as editing documents or conducting virtual meetings.
Another innovative feature is Swipe to Stream, which allows users to transfer app activities from one device to another with a simple swipe, ensuring uninterrupted playback of videos or podcasts. Additionally, Smart Connect facilitates notification syncing across devices, enabling users to stay updated without constantly switching devices.
The software also includes a Share Hub for easy file and media sharing across devices, a ‘Smart clipboard’ for copying and pasting content between devices, an ‘Instant hotspot’ for quick internet connectivity, and a webcam feature that utilizes the high-resolution camera on a user’s smartphone instead of the notebook one for enhanced video calls.
Smart Connect is not just about efficiency; it also opens up new possibilities for entertainment. Users can project their phone’s content onto a larger screen, transforming their living room into a personal entertainment hub for streaming videos, playing games, or even launching a mobile desktop on a smart TV.
It will be available on any Lenovo PC running Windows 10 or later, as well as on select Lenovo tablets and Motorola devices. Its introduction promises to redefine how users interact with their devices.
Apple users will likely be thinking, “So what?” as they’ve enjoyed many of these features for several years now, thanks to them owning the hardware and operating systems they run on.
Lenovo hopes to achieve its version while straddling its own hardware, Moto devices, and OS from Microsoft and Google!
