Smart Displays

Smart displays are touch screen speakers that run a voice assistant and show information such as the weather, calendars, recipes, photos and video calls. They sit on kitchen counters, nightstands and desks, and the first decision is where the display will live, because a small display suits a bedside table and an alarm clock role, while a larger screen is better for recipes, video calls and watching videos in the kitchen.

Ecosystem is the next question. Each smart display works best with its maker's voice assistant, music services and smart home devices, so check that your lights, plugs, cameras and doorbells work with it. Video calling features vary and may need specific apps or accounts.

Privacy controls matter on a device with a camera and microphones. Look for a physical camera shutter or cover and a switch that turns off the microphones.

Before buying, check the screen size, the speaker quality, the smart home compatibility, the camera and privacy features, and whether a stand or power adapter is included. Review the privacy settings in the app after setting it up, and place the display where its camera does not face private areas. Some smart displays work as digital photo frames when idle, drawing on a shared album, which is popular with families and grandparents. Others double as a hub for smart home devices or as a sunrise alarm on a nightstand. Check whether the display can show a clock or turn off the screen at night, since a bright screen in a bedroom can disturb sleep.

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