Google Home Hub Alternatives that you can buy now

A year after soliciting the help of third-party manufacturers to integrate versions of Google Home on screen, Google has launched its own smart screen, called Home Hub.

Designed to be a smart home controller, it is equipped with a speaker for alarms and timers. It also has a screen that allows you to view the thousands of photos you have stored in Google Photos. Another benefit of the display: it can show you results and tell you about it, which in many scenarios is very useful. Just say "OK Google" to attract the attention of Google Assistant, followed by a command, and then control the results with your fingers on the screen.

Also: Google Home Hub joins the fight to put a screen on your CNET counter

However, it's not the only smart screen with built-in Google Intelligence Wizard – let alone the only smart screen. A handful of companies have announced similar devices over the past year, including LG with the ThinQ WK9 and Sony with the Smart Display, but only a few of them are currently available for sale. Here are some of the best options.

Google Home Hub Alternatives that you can buy now

Lenovo's smart display

Lenovo's Smart Display, available with an 8-inch HD touch screen ($ 250) or a 10.1-inch Full HD screen ($ 200), is an interesting rival to the Google Home Hub because it is one of the first third smart screens to arrive with Google Integrated Wizard.

Both models feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 624 processor, 2 GB RAM, 5 megapixel (720p) video calling, two microphone bays, and support for Bluetooth and dual Wi-Fi. gang. The 10.1-inch device is unique in that it features a 2-inch 10W wide-band speaker with dual passive heatsink, while the 8-inch version includes a 1.75-inch 10W speaker.

Also: all that the Lenovo Smart Display can do CNET

JBL Link View

If you want to use another option from the Google Assistant, there is still the link view of $ 200 JBL.

It features an 8-inch HD touch screen and a 5-megapixel front camera for video calling. And because it's a Samsung-affiliated company Harman International, the company focuses on audio quality, with 10W stereo speakers and a passive radiator dedicated to bass control.

It is also compatible with HD audio streaming, up to 24bit / 96k, and has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. The speaker and the screen are also protected against splashing water in accordance with IPX4.

Also: JBL Link View review: Google Assistant receives a CNET screen

Amazon Echo Show

For those of you who prefer Amazon Alexa to Google Assistant, you can consider the $ 230 Echo Show, one of the first smart screens to be launched. The latest version is a Alexa-compatible speaker with a 10-inch HD display, a 5-megapixel camera, two 2-inch drivers, a passive bass radiator, a Dolby processing, eight far-field microphones and a Zigbee controller . It can be used to do everything from video chat (or "go live" to trusted contacts) and to control compatible Smart Home compatible devices without the need for separate hubs or applications.

Also: Amazon Echo Show 2.0: Bigger sound and better CNET appearance

If you want to save money and buy the $ 130 plastic model last year, more angular, you can also order it. (You can also read our review of this version here.)

Also: Amazon Echo Show: Alexa with a CNET touchscreen

Amazon Echo Spot

The echo point at $ 130 is essentially an echo show combined with an echo point. It has a 2.5-inch screen, which can be used to view Alexa's skills and items such as music lyrics and waking hours. It can also be used to make video calls with a VGA front camera. It offers the same features as the Echo show, but it is smaller and there is no Zigbee controller.

In addition: Critical Amazon Echo Spot: the touch screen of Alexa does not impress CNET

Amazon Fire HD 8 (with docking station in view mode)

We had to include this one – even though it's not technically a smart display. Amazon offers a device called $ 40 Show Dock, which charges one of its 8 or 10-inch Fire HD tablets and makes it a smart screen. Yes, you can access Alexa and use voice commands.

The idea is to dock your Fire tablet to charge it while placing it at the same time to use it at the counter, or to discard it and take the tablet with you on the move, for a unique portable experience. other "real" smart screen offers.

In addition: Amazon Show Mode CNET Loading Dock Review

Facebook Portal

Facebook has recently entered the race for smart screens with a new video communication device called Facebook Portal. He does not come with Google Assistant, but he integrates Alexa. It is also equipped with a technology called "Smart Camera and Smart Sound", inspired by AI, which allows it to follow you in the room, perform panoramic and automatic zooms, reduce background noise and improve the voice of the caller, to allow you to switch hands – free during a video call.

There are currently two versions: the $ 200 portal (10 inch 1280 x 800 screen) and the $ 350 portal (15.6 inch 1080p screen). Both versions are currently available for pre-order.

Also: finally! A Facebook device in my kitchen

---

For more deals on devices, gadgets and technology for your business, your business or your home office, see ZDNet Business Bargain Hunter Blog. Declaration of the affiliate: ZDNet earns a commission on the products and services presented on this page.

Previous and related coverage:

First impressions of Google Home Hub: a weekend of entertainment

The first Google Home device with a screen is now available. We took it for a ride on the weekends.

Which Amazon Echo to buy? How to choose the best Alexa device for your needs

Amazon now has an entire army of Echo devices. Some listen to you. Some look at you too. Which one should you choose? We help you decide.

Smart screens cover all angles to go beyond chatter

Since launching their products in the fall, Amazon, Facebook and Google have all offered their smart screen solutions. But small privacy screens have big differences in terms of user design and distraction.

Google for device manufacturers: it's you who do it and I will make myself

Throughout the year, third parties have introduced devices that are consistent with Google's stated platform priorities. But when it comes to its own devices, Google feels free to follow its own path.

Google Fuchsia: Here's what the NSA knows about it

Fuchsia is the mystery operating system of Google. At the recent Linux Security Summit, the NSA revealed what it had discovered so far.