The best smart screens | Digital trends



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You may have heard the term "smart display" a lot lately. Smart screens are smart speakers with a voice assistant technology like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, which means you can request the weather and not only read the forecasts, but also view them. on the screen of your speaker.

The number of smart screens, which started with Amazon Echo Show, has recently increased. These screens can play music, show recipes, tell you about shows, call a family, control all your smart devices, etc., but they all have different strengths. If you plan to display smart screens as a gift, upgrade, or potential addition to your smart home, we can help you choose one. Here is what is currently available, what they look like and who they are for.

Amazon Echo Show 2 Reviews
Rich Shibley / Digital Trends

Echo Show 2 represents a considerable improvement over the original Echo Show show. It features a large 10.1-inch screen and a minimalist design with two speakers, a passive bass and Dolby sound processing. In our review, we found that the big leap in sound quality makes the Show 2 suitable for parties.

Like all Echo devices, Amazon's Show 2 uses Alexa to control smart devices, ask questions, track news, and make video calls. Alexa offers excellent smart home compatibility with many different devices and easily connects to Amazon Music and Prime Video (although Hulu and a variety of additional music services are also available). The device also has a smart home Zigbee hub. One important thing to note: Echo Show can not play YouTube videos because of persistent feud with Google, which owns YouTube.

For: People who love Alexa and the idea of ​​watching (outside of YouTube) videos, shows, news and sports on their smart screen. It can be an excellent second TV in a living room, kitchen or other room in the house, with connections to both Prime Video and Hulu, among other video options. The 10.1-inch screen is one of the biggest on the market and is ideal for capturing details, while the audio has seen considerable improvement for this generation. The Show 2 is probably the best smart display on the market today. However, if you do not really like this idea of ​​"second television", another option, cheaper, could be the best choice.

lenovo smart display 952
Bill Roberson / Digital Trends

Lenovo's smart screen, available in 7 "and 10" screen sizes, is a smart screen that's counter-friendly and a great all-rounder that does not really specialize in what whatever, but that does a good job in almost everything. It is controlled by Google Assistant and, as we noted in our review, comes with a convenient stop camera option if you wish to protect your privacy. This is a great way to search recipes in the kitchen or view your calendar with a voice command. This is the most beautiful of the group with a bamboo stand, and you can buy the device with a screen of eight or ten inches.

For: Those who use Google Assistant and want to use an excellent smart screen. With access to YouTube, Google Assistant offers more video options than Alexa through many options of scheduling, music (with powerful sound), interactive search and video call. It's also one of the few screens offering two display size choices, which is a great way to customize to your needs.

Google Home Hub
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The Google Home Hub is an alternative if you prefer a Google Home control speaker with a 7-inch screen and an interesting, base-like design. It's a smaller smart screen than most devices, making it easier to fit on a shelf or bedside table. It has unique features such as direct connection to Google Photos and the ability to view your latest family photos with ease.

However, in other respects, the main hub is limited. Since Google did not include a camera in the template, this one is not suitable for a full video chat. Apparently, a camera was not included for reasons of confidentiality. People could place the Hub in a bedroom without worrying, but other smart screens managed that with a simple function of disabling the camera. In addition, the sound is a little disappointing on this device.

We like the simple controls of the smart home and the versatility of the device. Because it is so small, it can easily settle anywhere.

ForPeople wishing to use Google Assistant with a screen, while protecting their privacy – and perhaps having a reduced budget. The Hub is one of the most affordable options, but you will not be able to make video calls. If setting up the Hub in the room is important to you, you should choose it. If you're looking for a bigger screen, the Lenovo Smart Display is a much better Google Assistant device.

JBL Link View Review Screen
Riley Young / Digital Trends

The Link View features a rounded design, an 8-inch screen and powerful 2-inch drivers for outstanding sound. It works with Google Assistant, providing access to all of the wizard's knowledge, programs, music services, and YouTube videos. The screen also has video call options, but like Lenovo JBL, a privacy switch has been installed to turn off the camera.

For: People looking for a smart Bluetooth speaker with a screen that sounds good. Trust JBL to make good use of sound: this smart screen offers the best sound of all the options on our list, but it flies over a bit – which is great for occasional uses and video calls, but lacks a bit for the video. The "shutter camera" features will also appeal to those who are concerned about privacy.

Amazon Echo Spot Review
Bill Roberson / Digital Trends

Amazon Echo Spot is a small round camera with a small round screen. Technically, it has all the features of an echo show, including Alexa voice features and video calls, but this small screen limits its use. It's a nice little video phone in pinch, and when you display a clock, it's a great clock with alarms that you can adjust through voice commands and music that you can play on demand. Its size also allows it to adapt to areas that other smart screens can not. That being said, it does not have much user-friendliness compared to alternatives.

For: People who want a sophisticated alarm clock that can display the weather, play music, give you predictions and take calls (but preferably not while you're still in bed).










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