Google unleashes 'smart displays' loaded with Google Assistant (take that, Echo Show)

Lest you doubt that Google is serious about spreading its AI. to every nook and cranny of the consumer electronics universe, consider today's CES 2018 reveal: Google just announced four new "smart displays" from Lenovo, JBL, LG and Sony, plus a bevy of smart speakers and TVs from other partners, almost too numerous to mention. And all these devices come with Google Assistant baked in. This is a shot across the bough of Amazon, whose Alexa digital assistant is appearing in more and more third-party devices, as well. Google also announced that Google Assistant is coming to Android Auto dashboard units, and gave an official name--"Actions"--to all the commands and queries you can voice to Google Assistant. But the big news centers on smart displays, which offer capabilities you won't find in Google's own Google Home, Google Home Mini or Google Home Max smart speakers.