Lenovo Introduces ThinkSmart Core Gen 2

Lenovo Group announced today the Lenovo ThinkSmart Core Gen 2, one of the first AI-optimized compute device purpose built to run video conferencing room systems. Powered by the Intel Core Ultra processor with an integrated NPU, the ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 is ready for AI-heavy meeting room workloads to deliver unparalleled performance for intuitive collaboration and enhanced productivity, all in a protected and user-friendly solution.

Smarter AI for All Means Smarter Collaboration
Under Lenovo’s vision of Smarter AI for All, the company is dedicated to empowering organizations and individuals to put AI to work for them. While the role of collaboration technology has never been more critical, many customers are continuing to redefine meeting spaces and how work is done. The integration of AI into collaboration tools presents a transformative opportunity to connect people and improve productivity. Lenovo, the global leader in PCs, is bringing more compute power to collaboration.

In the future, end users will be empowered by enhanced predictive capabilities that anticipate user needs, suggest relevant resources, or actions before they’re requested. And AI-driven analytics will provide real-time feedback on productivity and team dynamics, enabling more informed decision-making and fostering a more agile and responsive work environment.

For IT managers, collaborative AI tools hold the potential for even greater automation, proactive management, and strategic insight. AI is expected to further reduce the manual workload by automating more complex maintenance tasks, predictive monitoring, and security measures, allowing IT teams to focus on innovation rather than routine operations.

As these AI-enabled collaboration tools evolve, they will increasingly become essential resources in daily tasks for meeting participants while helping reduce complexity and workloads for IT managers.

One of the first AI-optimized compute device purpose built for video conferencing room systems, the Lenovo ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 elevates every meeting experience – no matter the room size or setup. This intelligent device combines AI-optimized technology and unparalleled performance for intuitive collaboration and enhanced productivity, all in a protected and user-friendly solution. Powered by the Intel Core Ultra processor on the Intel vPro platform, the ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 efficiently manages heavy AI workloads right on the compute device, with up to 40% lower power consumption than its predecessor.

For a complete room solution right out of the box, ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 Full Room Kit is a single-SKU option that adds the intelligent ThinkSmart Bar 180, enabling Intelligent Speaker functionality. Installation and deployment are a snap, and ample ports allow for quick and easy connection to different devices. No matter what configuration IT teams create, every collaboration is more secure, thanks to advanced hardware-based protection of the Intel vPro platform and automatic Windows 11 security updates.

The ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 offers an incredible array of features to enable smarter meeting rooms.

• Intelligent Power – Powered by the Intel Core Ultra processor and Intel vPro platform the ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 efficiently manages heavy AI workloads with up to 40% lower power consumption. The unique NPU architecture built on Windows 11 IoT accelerates compute tasks and data transfer, optimizing AI performance and making operations more efficient, reliable, and secure.
• Smart Assistance – Supporting Microsoft Teams Rooms or Zoom Rooms on Windows, the ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 boosts collaboration with AI-enabled features through Microsoft Copilot or Zoom AI Companion. AI-enabled experiences like intelligent framing of meeting participants, auto voice detection, smart name tags, meeting summaries, and real time assistance are just some of the smart features to look forward to in the future.
• Purpose Built – The versatile built-in cable management system locks wires in place or detaches completely for a sleeker, more compact setup, and an integrated EDID management facilitates improve connectivity with room displays. ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 is tested to run 24/7/365 in a wide temperature range (5°C to 40°C), withstanding a crowded server room and boasts a quiet fanless enclosure to go unnoticed behind a conference room display.
• Inherent Flexibility – With Windows 11 IoT, ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 offers the flexibility to choose from a variety of peripherals. To make installation easier, the smart device comes with either the Lenovo IP Controller or the ThinkSmart Controller to suit a variety of room setups. For a truly flexible experience, the intelligent device offers users the ability to easily plug in their laptop if needed and run a meeting in BYOD mode, regardless the UC platform.

“Smart collaboration technology continues to advance rapidly with the introduction of AI-enabled features,” said Shannon MacKay, General Manager of Worldwide Smart Collaboration Business, Lenovo. “Customers are looking for more compute power and flexibility to future-proof meeting spaces and take advantages of solutions available now and just over the horizon.”

Customer Support & Professional Services
The ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 comes preloaded with ThinkSmart Manager software with the Intel vPro platform for remote manageability in real-time to save IT teams’ resources. And, for additional security, the Lenovo ThinkShield offering adds an extra layer of security through its OS-to-cloud solutions.

For ongoing support, the new AI-optimized video conferencing compute devices includes a three-year Lenovo warranty with Premier Support and one-year ThinkSmart Manager Premium license. Also included is Lenovo Smart Collaboration Professional Services Deploy and Maintain to ensure fast, efficient rollout.

Pricing and Availability
The ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 + Controller starts at $2,900 and is available by the end of 2024. Contact your Lenovo ThinkSmart sales representative for more information.