![]() It also offers the Alexa voice assistant. This app integration is uneven, but the different functions are welcome. The Portal is also one of the most tablet-like of the smart displays, with individual apps and websites that work like apps. The Portal was the first smart display to feature digital pan-and-zoom face-tracking for video calls, too. This $179 smart display features a 10-inch screen, a 13MP camera, and integration with most Facebook-related services including Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp. Whether you call it Facebook or Meta, Facebook is still a social media powerhouse and that's why it has offered smart displays since before its rebranding. The Nest Hub Max's advantage is the camera for video calls. We recommend the Nest Hub more for its greater value, though its screen is smaller, but it's less than half the price and you're not going to get wildly better audio quality from the larger Nest Hub. With that in mind, the Nest Hub Max is currently one of your best choices if the smaller Nest Hub isn't quite big enough for you. If you want a Google Assistant smart display for video chats, you have fewer options than with Alexa. It now seems a bit pricey for the size since the Echo Show 10 features head-tracking and comparable performance for only $20 more, but it's one of the better large-size picks if you prefer Google Assistant. It has a large 10-inch screen and a powerful trio of drivers (two tweeters and a woofer) that can put out strong, if not particularly clean or balanced, sound. The Nest Hub Max is Google's equivalent to the Echo Show 10 but without the motorized base. Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen, 2021 Release) Review Obviously, this is for Amazon users who want to stick with Alexa Google Assistant fans need to look farther down this list. It's a solid coffee table, counter, or desk smart display but, if you have a large nightstand, it could work there, too. The Echo Show 8 is a good first smart display, or a centerpiece smart display for users who don't want to spend much more money on a specialized design like the Echo Show 10 or Echo Show 15. It's simply an excellent all-around Alexa package. The current version has a 13MP camera that can digitally pan and zoom to keep your face in the frame. It can get about as loud and sound as good as the standalone Echo speaker, but with an 8-inch screen for watching TV, taking video calls, and browsing recipes. It's affordable but has a big enough screen and powerful enough speakers to suit any living room, bedroom, or kitchen. The Amazon Echo Show 8 is a classic Goldilocks device, squarely in the middle of Amazon's lineup. And, like the Echo, the company has updated and expanded its lineup of smart displays with new models. Since Amazon spearheaded the smart speaker concept with the first Echo, it only makes sense that the company did the same with smart displays in the form of its Echo Show products. When you want to control your smart lights, you can tap or slide your fingers to dim them to the preferred level. When you want to check the weather, you can see upcoming temperatures and conditions for the week at a glance. When you want to play music, for example, you can view album art or watch the song's music video. But the screen adds a whole new level of information and control beyond what simple speakers offer. ![]() They offer the same hands-free voice assistant features, allowing you to play music, check the weather, and control your smart home devices with only your voice. Smart displays are effectively smart speakers with touch screens. If you want a voice assistant to also show you results and information, you need to take a step past smart speakers to smart displays. ![]() The concept of "show, don't tell" is a fundamental rule for writers, and it's also an important guideline for technology. But speakers are limited to telling you what you want rather than showing you. Smart speakers are popular, and for good reason: In addition to playing music, they can answer most questions you throw at them. Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. ( Read our editorial mission (Opens in a new window) & see how we test everything we review (Opens in a new window).) How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication.How to Record the Screen on Your Windows PC or Mac.How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP3 Files.How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill.How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad.How to Block Robotexts and Spam Messages.
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