Smart displays have been heavily marketed as the next big thing in smart home technology. They offer a combination of voice-controlled assistance and visual displays, promising to make daily tasks easier and more convenient. However, despite their potential, smart displays have ultimately fallen short of expectations in several key areas.
One of the most anticipated features of smart displays is their ability to make video calls. With apps like Zoom, Google Meet, and FaceTime becoming increasingly popular, the idea of a hands-free video calling experience is appealing. Smart displays often have built-in cameras that can zoom in and out and follow you as you move around a room. However, they have failed to make video calling easier or more convenient than using a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Making a video call on a smartphone or tablet is already a simple process. Adding a stand to hold the device horizontally for a hands-free experience seems like a step in the right direction, but it does not offer any significant advantages over using a smartphone or tablet. In fact, using a smartphone or tablet allows for greater flexibility, as you can easily pick up the device and walk away if you need to move around. Smart displays, on the other hand, require you to stay within close proximity to the device, limiting your freedom of movement.
Amazon, a major player in the smart display market, recently announced two new Echo Show 5 displays. While this may seem like an exciting development, it actually highlights the limitations of smart displays. Each new model feels like a different attempt to find the right formula, but none of them have truly hit the mark. In contrast, Apple has been reluctant to enter the smart display market with dedicated hardware, and Google’s first new offering in two years is a tablet and docking station combo, raising questions about the viability of smart displays as a standalone product.
What consumers really need is a simple and versatile stand that can enhance the features of their existing smartphones and tablets. Instead of investing in a separate device, they can take advantage of the screen already in their hands. With the right stand, users can enjoy hands-free video calls, as well as other benefits, without sacrificing the flexibility and convenience of their current devices.
Despite the shortcomings of smart displays, the concept of a smart home remains appealing. The idea of a seamlessly connected home, where devices and appliances work together to simplify daily tasks, is still a desirable goal. However, smart displays may not be the solution to achieving this vision. Rather, a combination of smart devices, integrated platforms, and versatile stands can offer a more practical and user-friendly approach to building a smart home.
In conclusion, while smart displays have been touted as the future of smart home technology, they have failed to live up to expectations in several key areas. Video calling, one of the most anticipated features, is no more convenient or reliable on a smart display than on a smartphone or tablet. The recent announcements by Amazon and Google further highlight the limitations of smart displays and the need for a simpler and more versatile solution. By focusing on enhancing the features of existing smartphones and tablets with the right stand, consumers can achieve a truly convenient and seamless smart home experience.
