Smart displays have come a long way since the first Echo Show was introduced by Amazon in 2017. It wasn’t until Google joined the market with its own line of hardware a year later that the category really started to gain traction. Now, Amazon and Google are the dominant players in the smart display landscape, each offering their own unique take on a smart assistant with a screen. The addition of a screen makes smart displays much more versatile and useful compared to smart speakers. Instead of just having a voice assistant read out information, users can now see visual displays, such as weather forecasts, shopping lists, calendars, and even videos. They are especially convenient in the kitchen, where users can follow step-by-step cooking instructions.
When choosing the best smart display for you, the first consideration is whether you prefer Amazon’s ecosystem or Google’s. If you already have a lot of Google smart devices in your home, like Nest thermostats or security cameras, then a Google-powered model would be a better choice. On the other hand, if you have Amazon products like a Fire TV Stick or a Ring camera, Amazon would be the more compatible option. While it’s possible to have products from both companies in the same home, they might not work seamlessly together.
Google smart displays are particularly appealing for those who already have a Google account and use services like Calendar and Photos. These displays can be set up as digital photo frames, automatically pulling in pictures from your Google Photos library. Google’s smart displays also support YouTube and YouTube TV, offer step-by-step cooking instructions, and provide the usual benefits of Google Assistant, such as weather reports. Furthermore, they have voice recognition, ensuring that only you can access your personal information.
Amazon’s smart displays offer some unique features of their own. Instead of YouTube, they provide alternative video streaming options like Amazon Prime, NBC, and Hulu. Additionally, they come with two browsers, Silk and Firefox, which can be used to browse the web and watch YouTube videos. Amazon devices also offer step-by-step cooking instructions with short video clips, thanks to partnerships with sources like SideChef and AllRecipes. While they can serve as digital photo frames, the process is not as intuitive as Google’s, and Amazon lacks a photo-sorting algorithm.
Related Post
There are a variety of smart displays available, each suited for different rooms and use cases. The Google Nest Hub is our top choice among Google smart displays. With its 7-inch size, it fits well in most rooms and has a sleek design that blends nicely with home decor. It offers features like YouTube videos, step-by-step cooking instructions, smart home controls, and the ability to check Nest cameras. The Nest Hub is also suitable for use as part of a security system when paired with a Nest video doorbell.
For those who prefer a larger screen and the ability to make video calls, the Google Nest Hub Max is a great option. With a 10-inch display, it’s better suited for watching videos and provides a larger photo frame. It includes a camera for video calls with Google’s Duo service and Zoom, as well as facial recognition for authentication purposes. The Nest Hub Max also introduces unique gesture controls, allowing users to play and pause media by holding up their hand to the screen.
Among Amazon smart displays, the Echo Show 8 is our top pick. With an 8-inch screen, it strikes a balance between size and space efficiency. It offers all the essential features of a smart display and is a versatile addition to any home.
In conclusion, smart displays have evolved significantly and now offer a range of features and benefits that set them apart from smart speakers. When choosing the best smart display for you, consider whether you prefer Amazon’s or Google’s ecosystem and explore the unique features offered by each. Whether you opt for a Google Nest Hub or a Amazon Echo Show, a smart display is a valuable addition to any smart home.
