The Benefits of Using a Smart Display as a Personal Assistant

4 December 2024

We live in a world where the lines between technology and daily life are blurring at a rapid pace. Take a moment to think about it: from virtual assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant to smartwatches monitoring our health, tech is becoming more personal and intuitive. But there’s one device that’s starting to steal the spotlight in homes and offices alike—the smart display.

If you haven’t heard, smart displays are becoming the new must-have gadget. But what are they? And more importantly, why should you care? A smart display is like the Swiss Army knife of tech—it’s a speaker, a screen, a personal assistant, and so much more, all rolled into one. In this article, we’re going to dive deep into the benefits of using a smart display as your personal assistant. Spoiler alert: by the end, you might just want to get one yourself!

What Exactly Is a Smart Display?

Before we get into the juicy details, let’s start with the basics. A smart display is essentially a touchscreen device with a built-in voice assistant, like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. It’s similar to a smart speaker, but with the added bonus of a screen to show you visual information, play videos, and even make video calls. Think of it as a tablet with brains—or maybe a personal assistant with a face!

These devices come in all shapes and sizes, from the compact Amazon Echo Show 5 to the larger Google Nest Hub Max. And while they may look like simple gadgets, they pack a serious punch when it comes to functionality.

1. A Hands-Free Helper for Multitasking

Let’s be real: life can get pretty hectic. Between work, home, and everything in between, who has time to keep track of all the little details? That’s where a smart display comes in handy. Whether you’re cooking, cleaning, or juggling a dozen tasks at once, you can simply ask your smart display to set reminders, check your calendar, or even start a video call—all without lifting a finger.

Need a recipe while your hands are covered in flour? Just ask, and your smart display will pull up step-by-step instructions. Got a big meeting tomorrow? You can schedule it with just a quick voice command. It’s like having a personal assistant who’s always available, never complains, and doesn’t need coffee breaks.

1.1 Smart Display vs. Smart Speaker: Why the Screen Matters

You might be wondering, “Why not just stick with a smart speaker?” Well, the screen on a smart display makes all the difference. Sure, you can ask a smart speaker to tell you the weather, but with a smart display, you can see the weather forecast for the whole week. It’s like the difference between hearing about a painting and actually seeing it.

The screen also makes it easier to follow recipes, watch tutorial videos, or even check your security camera feed. It adds a visual layer to the voice assistant experience that makes everything more interactive and intuitive.

2. Voice and Video Calls Made Easy

In today’s fast-paced world, staying connected with loved ones and colleagues is more important than ever. Thanks to smart displays, making voice and video calls is easier than it’s ever been. You can instantly connect with friends and family through services like Zoom, Skype, or Google Duo—all with simple voice commands.

Imagine this: you’re in the kitchen preparing dinner, and your hands are full, but you need to check in with your friend. No problem! Just say, “Call Sarah,” and you’re instantly video chatting with her while you continue chopping those veggies. It’s as if your smart display turns into a magic mirror, connecting you to the people who matter most—no need to pick up your phone or laptop.

2.1 Group Calls Without the Hassle

Another huge perk? Group video calls. With a smart display, you can easily set up a group call with friends or colleagues. No fumbling through multiple apps or devices. Just say the word, and voila, you’re all in the same (virtual) room together.

3. Smarter Home Control at Your Fingertips

If you’ve got a smart home setup, a smart display is basically the "head office" for all your connected devices. From lights to thermostats to security cameras, you can control them all right from your smart display. And since it’s voice-activated, you don’t have to get up or even pull out your phone.

Imagine lying in bed and realizing you forgot to turn off the kitchen lights. No need to walk downstairs. Just say, “Turn off the kitchen lights,” and boom, you’re good to go. Or maybe you want to check who’s at the door without leaving the couch—just ask your smart display to show your front door camera feed. It’s like having the ultimate remote control for your entire home.

3.1 Custom Routines for Maximum Convenience

Smart displays also let you create custom routines that can automate multiple actions with a single voice command. For example, you could say, “Good morning,” and have your smart display turn on your bedroom lights, show the weather forecast, and start playing your favorite morning playlist—all at once. It’s like having your own personal butler, except way cooler and way less expensive.

4. Entertainment Galore

Let’s switch gears for a minute. Smart displays aren’t just for getting things done; they’re also fantastic for entertainment. Whether you want to stream your favorite shows, listen to music, or watch YouTube tutorials, smart displays have you covered.

You can ask your smart display to play a specific song, album, or even a podcast. And if you’re in the mood for a binge-watching session, you can stream shows and movies on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime. The screen might not be as big as your TV, but hey, for a kitchen or bedroom setup, it’s perfect.

4.1 Visual Lyrics and Music Control

If you’re a music lover, you’ll appreciate the visual aspect of streaming music on a smart display. Not only can you see album art, but some platforms even show lyrics in real-time, turning your kitchen into an impromptu karaoke bar. Plus, you can easily control playback with either voice commands or the touchscreen, making it feel super intuitive.

5. A Personal Assistant That Learns and Adapts

One of the coolest things about smart displays is how they learn and adapt to your preferences over time. The more you use them, the smarter they get. For instance, they’ll start suggesting routines based on your behavior, or remind you of tasks you frequently forget. It’s like having a personal assistant who’s constantly learning how to better serve you.

Let’s say you always ask for the weather first thing in the morning. Pretty soon, your smart display will anticipate that and have the forecast ready before you even ask. It’s the kind of service that feels less like a machine and more like a thoughtful friend who’s always one step ahead.

5.1 Integration with Your Daily Life

Smart displays are designed to integrate seamlessly into your life. They can sync with your Google Calendar or Apple Reminders, giving you a quick snapshot of your day without having to open your phone or laptop. And because they’re voice-activated, you can check your schedule, add new tasks, or set reminders while you’re busy doing other things.

6. Security and Privacy

Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room. You might be thinking, “Isn’t a smart display just another way for Big Tech to spy on me?” It’s a valid concern, but the good news is that most smart displays come with built-in privacy features. For example, many have physical camera shutters that you can close when you’re not using them. Some even have the option to mute the microphone, so you don’t have to worry about your smart display listening when you don’t want it to.

6.1 Regular Updates for Enhanced Security

On top of that, manufacturers like Amazon and Google regularly release software updates to improve security and privacy. So while it’s always good to be mindful of your digital footprint, smart displays are built with your privacy in mind. And hey, if you’re ever feeling paranoid, you can always unplug it!

7. A Device for the Whole Family

Smart displays aren’t just for tech-savvy individuals—they’re perfect for families too. Kids can use them to watch educational videos, play interactive games, or even listen to bedtime stories. Meanwhile, parents can use them to manage household tasks, control smart home devices, and stay connected with family members.

Some smart displays even come with parental controls, so you can set limits on what your kids can access. It’s like having a family-friendly, all-in-one device that everyone can enjoy.

Final Thoughts: Is a Smart Display Worth It?

So, is a smart display worth the investment? Absolutely. Whether you’re looking for a multitasking assistant, a home automation hub, or an entertainment center, a smart display can do it all. It’s like having a personal assistant that’s always there—ready to help with whatever you need, whenever you need it.

In a world where time is money and convenience is king, why not let a smart display make your life a little easier? With its ability to streamline tasks, entertain, and even help you stay connected, it’s a small device that packs a big punch.

Who knew a screen could be this smart?