Lenovo Unveils AI-Optimized ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 for Enhanced Video Conferencing

Lenovo Group recently announced the launch of their latest innovation, the ThinkSmart Core Gen 2, at Research Triangle Park on October 14, 2024. This cutting-edge device is specifically designed to revolutionize video conferencing room systems by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI). It is equipped with an Intel® Core Ultra processor, featuring an integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU), making it one of the first AI-optimized compute devices in its class. The ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 is engineered to handle AI-intensive tasks efficiently, offering an unmatched experience for collaboration and productivity while ensuring user-friendliness and security.

Pioneering Smarter Collaboration Through AI

Lenovo has long been a leader in the realm of personal computing, and with its "Smarter AI for All" initiative, the company is committed to enabling individuals and organizations to leverage AI effectively. As the significance of collaboration technology continues to grow, many businesses are reimagining how meetings and workspaces operate. AI integration into collaboration tools presents a transformative opportunity to enhance connectivity and productivity.

Looking ahead, Lenovo envisions a future where AI-driven analytics provide real-time feedback on productivity and team dynamics. This feedback loop will empower end users with predictive capabilities that anticipate their needs, suggesting relevant resources or actions before they are even requested. For IT managers, AI-enabled collaboration tools promise greater automation and strategic insight, allowing them to focus more on innovation and less on routine tasks.

As these tools evolve, they will become indispensable for meeting participants by simplifying tasks and reducing workloads for IT teams. The ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 is at the forefront of this evolution, offering a host of features designed to empower smarter meeting rooms.

Key Features of the Lenovo ThinkSmart Core Gen 2

Intelligent Power

The ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 is powered by the Intel® Core Ultra processor and the Intel vPro® platform, which together efficiently manage heavy AI workloads with up to 40% lower power consumption compared to its predecessor. The device’s unique NPU architecture, running on Windows 11 IoT, accelerates compute tasks and data transfer, optimizing AI performance and enhancing operational efficiency, reliability, and security.

Smart Assistance

Supporting platforms like Microsoft Teams Rooms and Zoom Rooms on Windows, the ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 elevates collaboration with AI-enabled features, such as Microsoft Copilot or Zoom AI Companion. Users can look forward to intelligent experiences like automatic voice detection, smart name tags, meeting summaries, and real-time assistance, all aimed at boosting productivity and simplifying interactions.

Purpose-Built Design

The device boasts a versatile built-in cable management system that locks wires in place or detaches completely for a more streamlined setup. Additionally, its integrated EDID management enhances connectivity with room displays. The ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 is engineered to operate 24/7 in a wide temperature range, making it suitable for crowded server rooms. Its fanless enclosure ensures quiet operation, allowing it to blend seamlessly into any conference room environment.

Inherent Flexibility

With Windows 11 IoT, the ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 offers flexibility by supporting a wide variety of peripherals. It comes with either the Lenovo IP Controller or the ThinkSmart Controller, accommodating different room configurations. Users can also run meetings in Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) mode, regardless of the Unified Communications (UC) platform used.

Customer Support and Professional Services

To enhance user experience, the ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 comes preloaded with ThinkSmart Manager software, leveraging the Intel vPro® platform for real-time remote manageability. This feature helps IT teams save valuable resources. Additionally, Lenovo’s ThinkShield offering provides an extra layer of security through its OS-to-cloud solutions.

For ongoing support, Lenovo includes a three-year warranty with Premier Support and a one-year ThinkSmart Manager Premium license with the new AI-optimized video conferencing compute devices. The package also includes Lenovo Smart Collaboration Professional Services Deploy and Maintain, ensuring a quick and efficient rollout.

Pricing and Availability

The ThinkSmart Core Gen 2, bundled with a Controller, is priced starting at $2,900 and is expected to be available by the end of 2024. Interested customers can contact their Lenovo ThinkSmart sales representative for more information.

Technical Specifications

Performance

• Processor: Intel® Core Ultra 7 165H processor on the Intel vPro® platform or Intel® Core Ultra 5 135H processor
• Operating System: Windows 11 IoT Enterprise GAC
• Memory: 16GB or 32GB (Dual-Channel) DDR5 5600MHz SODIMM
• Storage: 256GB PCIe TLC SSD
• Graphics: Intel® Arc graphics
  

  Security
  

• TPM 2.0
• Kensington 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 2.0, 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: 185 x 220 x 38 mm (with cable management) or 185 x 140 x 38 mm (without cable management)
• Weight: 1.01 kg (with cable management) or 0.86 kg (without cable management)
  

  Manageability
  

• ThinkSmart Manager
  

  About Lenovo
  

  Lenovo is a global technology leader with a revenue of $57 billion, serving millions of customers across 180 markets. Ranked 248th in the Fortune Global 500, Lenovo is dedicated to delivering smarter technology for everyone. The company has built on its success as the world’s largest PC company by offering a comprehensive portfolio of AI-enabled devices, infrastructure, software, and services. Lenovo’s continued investment in groundbreaking innovation is helping to build a more equitable, trustworthy, and intelligent future for all.

  For more information, visit Lenovo’s official website here and stay updated with the latest news via their StoryHub.

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  In conclusion, the Lenovo ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 represents a significant advancement in video conferencing technology. By integrating AI into its core functionality, Lenovo is setting a new standard for collaboration tools, ensuring they are not only powerful and efficient but also adaptable to the dynamic needs of modern workplaces. As organizations continue to seek smarter, more flexible solutions, the ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 is poised to become an essential component in enhancing productivity and connectivity in meeting spaces worldwide.

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