Smart displays have come a long way since Amazon released its first Echo Show in 2017. The category truly took off when Google entered the market with its own line of hardware a year later. Now, these two companies dominate the smart display landscape, each offering its own version of a smart assistant with a screen. The addition of a screen is what sets smart displays apart from regular smart speakers. Instead of simply listening to the voice assistant recite information, you can now see it visually. For example, you can view a five-day weather forecast or see your entire shopping list or calendar with a glance. Smart displays also offer other advantages over smart speakers, such as video playback and the ability to check security cameras. They are especially useful in the kitchen, where you can access step-by-step cooking instructions. Additionally, touchscreens make navigation faster and easier compared to using voice commands.
When choosing the best smart display for your needs, the first factor to consider is whether you prefer Amazon or Google’s ecosystem. If you already have a lot of Google smart devices like Nest thermostats or cameras, then a Google-powered model would make more sense. Similarly, if you have Amazon products like a Fire TV Stick or a Ring camera, an Amazon display would be a better choice for compatibility. While it’s possible to have products from different companies in the same home, they may not work seamlessly with each other.
Apart from ecosystem compatibility, both Google and Amazon offer unique features. Google smart displays work best if you already have a Google account and use services like Calendar and Photos. They excel as digital photo frames, automatically pulling in pictures of friends and family from your Google Photos library. The display’s algorithm selects the best shots, preventing blurry or unflattering photos from being shown. Google displays also support YouTube and YouTube TV, step-by-step cooking instructions, and other Google Assistant features. Voice recognition technology ensures that only you can access your personal calendar appointments.
Amazon’s smart displays offer different features. Instead of YouTube, they provide alternative video streaming options such as Amazon Prime, NBC, and Hulu. They also come with two browsers, Silk and Firefox, allowing you to search the web and watch YouTube videos. Amazon devices also offer step-by-step cooking instructions, including short video clips in some cases. However, the process of using them as digital photo frames is not as intuitive as Google’s, and Amazon lacks a comparable photo-sorting algorithm.
In terms of the best smart displays, there are options to suit specific use cases as well as all-around picks. The Google Nest Hub is our top recommendation for a Google smart display. Its 7-inch size fits well in most rooms, and its design seamlessly blends into any home decor. The Nest Hub offers YouTube videos, step-by-step cooking instructions, smart home controls, and the ability to check Nest cams. It can also display the camera view from a Nest video doorbell, making it ideal for a security system. The absence of a camera adds an extra layer of privacy, making it suitable for personal spaces like the bedroom.
For those who prefer a larger screen and prioritize video calls, the Google Nest Hub Max is a great choice. With a 10-inch display, it is better suited for watching videos and offers a larger photo frame. The camera can be used for video calls through Google’s Duo service or Zoom, and it can function as a Nest Cam for home security. The Nest Hub Max also includes facial recognition for authentication and a unique gestures feature for hands-free control.
On the other hand, the best Amazon smart display is the Echo Show 8. It offers all the essential features you would expect from a smart display, including video playback, step-by-step cooking instructions, and smart home controls. Its 8-inch screen is a good size for most rooms. Overall, the Echo Show 8 delivers a seamless and intuitive user experience.
Denial of responsibility! SamacharCentrl is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
Deepak Sen is a tech enthusiast who covers the latest technological innovations, from AI to consumer gadgets. His articles provide readers with a glimpse into the ever-evolving world of technology.
