More Smart Displays to Consider
Google Nest Hub for $100: Google’s second-generation Nest Hub, which received a 7/10 in reviews, is a notable choice for those who don’t require a camera and are comfortable with a smaller 7-inch screen. It offers a wake-up alarm that mimics a sunrise for gentler mornings and incorporates sleep tracking technology to monitor sleep quality, although the results’ accuracy could be improved. Additionally, the device supports gesture controls, such as pausing or playing videos by waving a hand, by utilizing radar technology.
Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen, 2023) for $90: The third generation of the Echo Show 5 is a more affordable option with a compact 5.5-inch screen, making it suitable for placement on a desk or bedside table. While it may appear too small for kitchen or living room use, its effectiveness largely depends on its intended purpose.
Echo Hub for $180: The Echo Hub, which received an 8/10 rating, is different from typical smart displays as it lacks robust speaker capabilities and a camera for calls or Amazon’s Drop-In video call feature. Instead, it serves as a dedicated smart home dashboard with built-in Alexa and elements like widgets and a photo frame. Despite its limitations in audio, it streamlines smart display features for user convenience.
Smart Displays Versus Digital Calendars
The demand for digital calendars, which resemble smart displays, is increasing. Unlike smart displays that can execute voice commands and stream video calls, these digital screens are designed to showcase a shared family calendar. Makers of digital photo frames, Skylight, offer the Skylight Calendar in various sizes (10 inches, 15 inches, and 27 inches), while the Hearth Display is exclusively available in a 27-inch size. Another option, the Cozyla Calendar+, ranges from 15 to 36 inches.
These calendars often come with subscription models. The Hearth Display encourages creators to develop family routines and offers a Family Membership. Skylight offers additional features, such as a photo screensaver and meal planning tools, to subscribers of the monthly Plus Plan.
Adopters of these digital calendars may find them either as a tool for one parent to manage or a habit to instill across the family. For efficiency, teaching all family members to share their Google Calendar may be preferable.
Do You Need a Smart Display?
Smart displays provide utility by acting as central hubs for smart home devices, guiding users through recipes, and facilitating hands-free video chats. However, their longevity and relevance are uncertain. Meta’s Portals, once a favored option, are no longer available. Google has ceased software updates for some third-party smart displays, hinting at a shift in focus toward its new Pixel Tablet.
Despite financial setbacks involving Alexa voice assistant, including a $10 billion loss in 2022, Amazon continues to release new smart displays, although its Alexa division faced layoffs in 2022 and 2023. Meanwhile, Apple has yet to produce a smart display but has integrated related features into iPhones during charging.
The future of these devices remains unclear, but for those choosing to invest, it may be wise to select brands with preferred voice assistants or consider substituting with recommended tablets.
What About Apple?
Apple iPhones introduced StandBy Mode in iOS, activated when an iPhone is placed on its side and charging. Utilizing stands such as the Twelve South model, this mode allows display of customizable clock faces, photo slideshows, and alerts for messages, though it may not fully replace smart display features, feeling more akin to an enhanced alarm clock experience.
What About Alexa+?
Amazon plans to launch Alexa+, a refined version of its voice assistant, which aims to be more conversational, capable of performing complex tasks, learning new information, and offering more personalization, empowered by generative AI.
Alexa+ requires that all voice recordings be sent to Amazon for processing, a change also affecting current Alexa, eliminating the existing "Do Not Send Voice Recordings" feature by March 28, 2025. Alexa+ will be priced at $20 per month or available at no charge to Amazon Prime members. Early access is expected to roll out soon in the U.S. starting with Echo Show smart displays, namely Echo Show 8, 10, 15, and 21. These privacy changes will impact all Echo users.
Smart Displays to Avoid
Some smart displays may not meet expectations.
Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen, 2021) for $250: This device features a screen atop a large speaker, providing excellent sound. The screen swivels to follow movement, suitable for video chats or following workout instructions. However, its mobility may complicate placement in tight spaces or corners.
Echo Show 15 for $280: Featuring a 15.6-inch screen, this device comes with customizable widgets for convenient smart-home controls and reminders. Designed for wall mounting (stand sold separately), it requires app use to access its streaming features, as voice commands are unreliable. It struggles to balance between smart display and TV functionality.
Third-Party Google Displays: Google has ceased updates for some third-party smart displays, potentially leading to feature degradation over time. Consequently, these are no longer recommended.
