The smart speaker has long been the central hub of a connected home, but a new and more versatile device is taking its place: the smart display. These gadgets combine the voice-activated convenience of a smart speaker with a built-in screen, providing a visual element that unlocks a whole new level of functionality. From showing you the weather and managing your calendar to acting as a central control panel for your smart home, a smart display is an incredibly useful addition to any modern household.
This guide will explain what smart displays can do and help you choose the best one for your home by breaking down the key features of the top models.
1. What Is a Smart Display?
A smart display is essentially a tablet built into a speaker. It uses a virtual assistant—either Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant—to respond to voice commands. Unlike a smart speaker, which can only respond with audio, a smart display can show you visual information. For instance, when you ask about the weather, it will show you a five-day forecast. When you ask to see your calendar, it will display your schedule.
2. Key Features to Look For
To find the right smart display, you need to consider a few key features that will impact your experience.
- Display Size and Quality: Smart displays come in a variety of sizes, from small 5-inch models to large 15-inch screens. A smaller display is perfect for a bedside table, while a larger one is better for a kitchen or living room where it can be used for video calls or watching videos. Look for a screen with good resolution and brightness for clear viewing.
- Built-in Camera: A camera is a game-changer for smart displays. It allows you to make hands-free video calls to family and friends. Some models have a smart camera that can automatically pan and zoom to keep you in the frame, which is great for video calls while you’re moving around the room.
- Audio Quality: While the screen is the star of the show, a good speaker is also essential. A smart display should be able to fill a room with clear, balanced audio for playing music or podcasts. Look for models with stereo speakers or a built-in subwoofer for better bass.
- Privacy Controls: A smart display is always listening for its wake word and has a camera. For peace of mind, make sure the device you choose has a physical camera shutter and a mute button for the microphone.
3. Top Smart Displays on the Market
The market is dominated by Amazon and Google, each offering a range of excellent smart displays.
- Amazon Echo Show Series: The Echo Show is Amazon’s line of smart displays. They run on the Alexa virtual assistant and are perfect for controlling smart home devices, shopping on Amazon, and watching content from Prime Video. The Echo Show has an easy-to-use interface and is great for anyone who is already in the Amazon ecosystem.
- Google Nest Hub Series: The Google Nest Hub is known for its beautiful design and seamless integration with Google services. The Nest Hub can show you recipes step-by-step, manage your Google Photos, and control all of your Google-compatible smart devices. Its “Ambient EQ” feature automatically adjusts the display’s color and brightness to match the room’s lighting, making it a great digital photo frame.
4. Where to Place Your Smart Display
The best place for a smart display depends on how you plan to use it.
- Kitchen: A smart display in the kitchen is incredibly useful. You can follow video recipes, set multiple timers for cooking, and listen to music while you prepare meals. A larger display like a Google Nest Hub Max or an Amazon Echo Show is great for this space.
- Bedroom: A smaller model, like the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) or the Amazon Echo Show 5, is perfect for a bedside table. It can act as a smart alarm clock, show you the weather for the day, and let you manage your schedule.
- Living Room: A smart display in the living room can act as a central hub for your entire home. You can use it to view your security camera feed, control the thermostat and lights, and manage all your smart devices from one place.
Conclusion: A Smarter Way to Live
A smart display is an excellent step up from a smart speaker. By adding a visual element to a voice assistant, it becomes a multi-functional device that can streamline your daily routine, entertain you, and give you better control over your home. Whether you choose an Amazon Echo Show for its strong smart home ecosystem or a Google Nest Hub for its seamless integration with Google services, a smart display is a smart investment in a more connected and efficient home.