In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, smart displays have emerged as an innovative and versatile addition to our homes.
What is a Smart Display?
A smart display combines the convenience of a smart speaker with the functionality of a colour touchscreen. The addition of a screen creates a host of exciting possibilities. Whether you’re looking to streamline your home life, enhance your entertainment options, or simply add a touch of sophistication to your living space. The table below highlights the key features that smart speakers and smart displays offer.
 Smart Speaker |  Smart Display | |
| Get the latest news and weather |  | |
| Get answers to questions | | |
| Control other smart home devices | | |
| Set alarms, timers and reminders | | |
| Play music, audio books, etc | | |
| Stream films and TV shows | – | |
| Browse the web | – | |
| View your calendar | – | |
| Make video calls | – | |
| Video doorbell and camera monitoring* | – | |
The Echo Show 15 is a large smart display from Amazon that can be hung on a wall. It features a 15.6-inch touchscreen display, dual 1.6-inch speakers, and a 5MP camera. The device acts as a shared hub for families to view calendars and to-do lists, stream films and make video calls.
The Echo Show 5 (3nd gen) is the most affordable smart display from Amazon. Powered by Alexa, the Echo Show 5 lets you control your smart home devices, set reminders, make video calls – all with the sound of your voice.
The Echo Show 5 Kids (3rd gen) is a smart display designed specifically for children. It offers a range of features, including Alexa voice control, parental controls, and a 2-year worry-free guarantee.
The Echo Show 10 (3rd gen) is a smart display with a 10.1-inch HD screen and a motorised base that allows it to rotate and follow you as you move around the room.
The Benefits of Smart Displays in the Home
Smart displays offer many benefits that can enhance your home life. First, they can serve as a smart home hub for your smart devices, allowing you to control your lighting with a simple voice command or a touch of the screen.
Second, smart displays provide access to a wide range of entertainment options. With built-in streaming services, you can enjoy your favorite movies, shows, and music directly on the display, eliminating the need for additional devices.
Finally, smart displays with a front-facing camera, allow you to make video calls at no additional cost. With video calls, you can have face-to-face conversations with family and friends regardless of their physical location.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Smart Display
When it comes to purchasing a smart display, there are several factors to consider to ensure you pick the right one.
Screen Size & Resolution
Larger displays offer a more immersive viewing experience, while higher resolutions result in a sharper picture and more visual information that can be displayed. Also, consider the space available in your home and the intended use of the smart display to determine the optimal size and resolution for your needs.
Camera
A built-in camera is necessary for video calls to family and friends. One of the key factors that determine the quality of a camera is the number of megapixels it has. Megapixels refer to the number of pixels in an image, and higher megapixel count generally results in sharper and more detailed video.
Audio
It’s important to check the audio capabilities of any smart display before you decide which one to buy. If making video calls is a priority, look for models with more that one microphone so it can pick up your voice even when you’re off camera.
Compatibility
Another crucial consideration is the compatibility with your existing smart home ecosystem. Ensure that the smart display you choose will work with the devices and platforms you already own. This will allow for seamless integration and maximise the functionality of your smart home setup.
Privacy and Security
Like smart speakers, smart displays have raised concerns when it comes to privacy and security. As smart displays are equipped with cameras and microphones, there is a fear that unintended recordings can be made or hackers can use them to invade one’s privacy.
Popular Smart Display Brands
Amazon and Google lead the way in the smart display market in the UK, Europe and the US. Both brands are renowned for their sleek designs and advanced features.
Amazon
The Echo Show is Amazon’s popular range of smart display with Alexa built in. The Echo Show 15 is the most recent addition to the family and features a 15.6-inch Full HD touch screen and Fire TV for accessing streaming services such as Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+ and more.
- Echo Show 5 (3rd gen) (£89.99)
- Echo Show 5 Kids (3rd gen) (£99.99)
- Echo Show 8 (2nd gen) (£119.99)
- Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) (£259.99)
- Echo Show 15 (£269.99)
- Echo Show 15 + Remote (£299.980
The Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max make up Google’s current smart display lineup. The Nest Hub is available in four colours and has a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Nest Hub Max has a larger 10-inch HD screen and a 6.5-megapixel camera for video calls using Google Duo.
- Nest Hub (2nd gen) (£89.99)
- Nest Hub Max (£219)
Summary
Investing in a smart display can elevate your home to new levels of convenience, entertainment, and sophistication. By considering the benefits, factors to consider, and the models available on the market, you can make an informed decision that suit your needs. Remember to assess the compatibility and features of each display, and read customer reviews to ensure a happy purchase!
