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Lenovo has unveiled the ThinkSmart Core Gen 2, a new compute device designed specifically to enhance video conferencing systems. The device is powered by Intel’s Core Ultra processor, equipped with an integrated NPU, making it ideal for handling Ai-intensive meeting room applications. The company aims to deliver improved collaboration and productivity through this new offering, with a focus on simplicity and security.
The ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 is expected to assist organisations in adopting smarter collaboration tools, enabling teams to work more efficiently in an increasingly complex work environment.
Smarter Collaboration Through Ai
Lenovo has highlighted the role of Ai in enhancing collaboration, noting that the technology will likely play an essential part in future workplace tools. With Ai-driven analytics and predictive capabilities, Lenovo envisions a system that can anticipate user needs and suggest actions before they are requested. This could provide real-time feedback on productivity, which may assist teams in making informed decisions faster.
IT managers are also likely to benefit from the increased automation that Ai can offer. Lenovo believes that Ai-powered systems will help reduce manual workloads, particularly in areas like maintenance, monitoring, and security. By automating these tasks, IT teams could focus more on innovation rather than routine tasks.
Shannon MacKay, General Manager of Worldwide Smart Collaboration Business at Lenovo, explained the vision behind these advancements. “Smart collaboration technology continues to advance rapidly with the introduction of Ai-enabled features. Customers are looking for more compute power and flexibility to future-proof meeting spaces and take advantage of solutions available now and just over the horizon.”
Lenovo ThinkSmart Core Gen 2
The ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 is one of the first Ai-optimised devices purpose-built for video conferencing. It offers a range of features designed to enhance collaboration in different room setups, whether small or large.
Equipped with Intel’s Core Ultra processor and the Intel vPro platform, it is designed to handle Ai-heavy workloads efficiently. Lenovo claims that this latest version consumes up to 40 per cent less power compared to its predecessor, making it more energy-efficient while managing the demands of Ai technology.
For organisations looking for a complete setup, Lenovo is offering the ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 Full Room Kit, which includes the ThinkSmart Bar 180 for added intelligent speaker functionality. The device’s installation is designed to be straightforward, with multiple ports for easy connection to various devices.
Security is also a key feature of this new device, which benefits from hardware-based protections via the Intel vPro platform, along with automatic security updates from Windows 11.
Intelligent Features
The ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 comes with a range of Ai-enabled features to support different conferencing platforms, including Microsoft Teams Rooms and Zoom Rooms. Ai capabilities include intelligent framing of meeting participants, voice detection, and smart name tags. Features such as meeting summaries and real-time assistance are also expected to evolve in future updates.
The device’s design also takes into account different user needs, offering built-in cable management and flexible installation options. It is tested to operate 24/7 and comes with a fanless design to minimise noise, making it suitable for various environments.
For those who prefer flexibility, the ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 allows users to connect their own laptops and run meetings in BYOD mode, regardless of which platform is being used.
Customer Support and Services
Lenovo is offering extensive support services alongside the ThinkSmart Core Gen 2. The device includes a three-year warranty with Premier Support, as well as a one-year ThinkSmart Manager Premium license for remote manageability. Lenovo ThinkShield adds additional security, while the company’s Smart Collaboration Professional Services ensure smooth deployment and maintenance.
Availability
Organisations interested in the ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 can contact Lenovo’s ThinkSmart sales representatives for information on pricing and availability in Australia and New Zealand.
Technical Specifications
| Performance | Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 165H processor on Intel vPro platform Intel Core Ultra 5 135H processor on Intel vPro platform |
| Operating System | Windows 11 IoT Enterprise GAC | |
| Memory | 16GB (Dual-Channel) DDR5 5600MHz SODIMM32GB (Dual-Channel) DDR5 5600MHz SODIMM | |
| Storage | 256GB PCIe TLC SSD | |
| Graphics | Intel Arc graphics | |
| Security | TPM 2.0Kensington MiniSaver lock slot Removable Cable Management | |
| Connectivity | Ports | 1x HDMI Ingest, 2x HDMI-Out, 1x RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet, 3x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-A 2, 01x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB-C Ingest, 1x Standard Think Power |
| Wifi | WLAN 802.11 AC (2×2) Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) 5.0 | |
| Design | Dimensions (WxDxH) | 185 x 220 x 38 mm/7.28 x 8.66 x 1.50 in (with cable management)185 x 140 x 38 mm/7.28 x 5.51 x 1.50 in (without cable management) |
| Weight | 1.01 kg/2.23 lbs (with cable management) 0.86 kg/ 1.90 lbs (without cable management) | |
| Manageability | ThinkSmart Manager |
Last Updated on October 15, 2024 by Nick Ross
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