Lenovo PCs now have a new skill Starting today, Lenovo Yoga, ThinkPad, and IdeaPad PCs running Windows 10 can be transformed into Alexa-powered smart displays with the push of a button or a simple Alexa command Here's how it works

Called Alexa Show Mode, the feature was previewed on the Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i laptop at CES earlier this year and essentially turns the desktop into something similar to the interface found on the Amazon Echo Show Similar functionality is also available on the Amazon Fire HD 10 and other tablets

To activate Alexa Show mode, Lenovo users press the Show Mode button in the Alexa app or say "Alexa, open Show Mode" You can also set the system to automatically enter Show Mode when it is idle

When Show Mode is activated, the notebook's screen will fill up with upcoming appointments, weather, and news headlines From there, simply say "Alexa" to look up a recipe or control a smart home device (For a list of the best Alexa commands, click here)

Show mode is available on any Lenovo Yoga, ThinkPad, or IdeaPad PC with built-in Alexa, but would make the most sense on a 2-in-1 convertible that can stand on a table in tablet mode: ThinkPad X12 It would make even more sense on models like the Detachable, but it is unclear if Alexa is built into this business-oriented tablet

A laptop with Alexa built in is a nice addition, although it won't necessarily cause consumers to choose Lenovo over Dell or to refrain from purchasing smart speakers or smart displays

According to Amazon and Lenovo, Show Mode is currently available on Alexa-embedded Lenovo PCs in the US, UK, Germany, Japan, India, Ireland, Austria, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Australia, and New Zealand Show Mode will be available on other PC models later this year