Lenovo is known for some of the best smart speakers not offered directly from Amazon or Google. However, until now, Lenovo's smart clocks with speakers have only supported the latter's voice assistant, Google Assistant. This situation is changing with the new $59 Lenovo Smart Clock Essential with Alexa, unveiled at CES 2022.

In a first attempt at one of the best Alexa smart speakers, Lenovo is taking a simple approach with the next evolution of the $49 Lenovo Smart Clock Essential. Similar in shape and overall design to the $89 Lenovo Smart Clock 2, the updated Smart Clock Essential is not a smart display. Instead, it displays the time like a bedside alarm clock.

While the touchscreen is useful for customizing the clock face and interacting with other smart home devices, the fingerprint-free clock is equally attractive The 2022 Smart Clock Essential retains a more modern look than its predecessor. Not only does it accommodate an optional stand that functions as a nightlight and wireless smartphone charging pad, it can be docked into two new tactile light-up stands in the shape of sea creatures, called Lenovo Ambient Light Docks.

And the Smart Clock Essential with Alexa, in a rust-colored clay-red finish, definitely plays a role for kids. The stand is adorably squishy and displays a fun light show reminiscent of the Amazon Echo Glow. However, while the Echo Glow requires an Alexa speaker nearby for voice control, the Smart Clock Essential with Alexa combines the speaker with a cute bedside light.

Calling Alexa saw the clock face change into the shape of an eye. It is unclear if the clock face is a specific input assigned to the squid-shaped base attached to the unit. [Of course, you could omit the accessory and use the Smart Clock Essential just like the Amazon Echo Dot with Clock; given that the Dot with Clock is the top choice for the best smart home device, the Lenovo Smart Clock Essential would be an easy sell.

As an Alexa user, I am not keen on using Lenovo's past Smart Clocks with Google Assistant on a regular basis. However, I could place an Alexa-powered Smart Clock Essential at my bedside to control the best Alexa-enabled devices in my home or simply to receive commands to activate sleep sounds. And unlike my Echo Dot with Clock, the Smart Clock Essential has a USB port that can be used to charge a smartphone or smartwatch.

Meanwhile, Lenovo's Ambient Light Docks cost $29 each; the Smart Clock will be available this month, and the docks will be available by the end of Q1 2022.

This is just one of many new product reveals we've seen in connection with the big show, check our CES 2022 Live blog for the latest news.