There is a lot of talk about smart displays these days. You might be wondering what a smart display is and if you would benefit from having one.
ContentsWhat Smart Displays Can DoAdvantagesDisadvantagesLenovo Smart DisplayJBL Link ViewAmazon Echo ShowGoogle Home CenterA smart display is simply a virtual assistant powered speaker with a screen. The touchscreen adds additional functionality to smart speaker technology, allowing users to do things like watch videos and make video calls.
Like smart speakers, these displays connect to your home's Wi-Fi to access information. Once settled, they listen for their "watchword" and when they hear it, they are ready to respond to your command. All smart displays are controlled by either Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. There is no smart screen on the market from Apple yet.
Smart displays can control all your smart home devices, and they can connect to your smart doorbell and show who's at the door.
You don't need to touch the screen while cooking. If you're using a recipe, it's good to have it right on a screen that you can voice activate instead of having to touch the device to get to the next step.
If you're multitasking, screens make it a little easier. Bring a recipe and listen to music while you work. Then answer a video call, set your timer, and return to the recipe, all without touching the screen.
Smart displays can do a lot, but they're not designed to do it all. For example, although they look like a mini TV, they don't have a digital TV tuner or remote control. Most of them do not have a browser to surf the web.
It's also always possible that these devices will start supporting large amounts of advertising in the future.
Here is a list of some smart display devices currently available:
The Smart Display was released in the summer of 2018 with all the features of Google Assistant on board. It is available in 8 or 10 inch screen sizes. The 10-inch has an FHD display, and they both have 10-watt full-range speakers. Prices start at $199.
The JBL LinkView doesn't look like a typical smart display. It looks like an oval alarm clock. The screen is an 8 inch and it has two 10 watt speakers. It also supports Google Cast. The cost is around $249.
If you're not a fan of Google Assistant, you can choose the Amazon Echo Show and use their Alexa app. As this is an Amazon product, you also have access to all your Prime Content and Alexa skills. The Echo is the only display with a web browser. This device is currently $129.99.
Google Home Center has all the capabilities of the Google Home smart speaker, with a visual element. It's great to use in the bedroom as it darkens in darker conditions so it won't keep you awake. It's also the only smart display without a camera if you'd rather avoid any issues. The price is $129.
Are any of these devices right for you? Let us know in the comments.
