While most smart devices have some degree of portability, smart displays are generally locked to a specific room, so the room you choose will largely inform which model you should invest in.
Here are a few ideas for deciding where to mount or place your smart display.
- Bedroom: for tracking sleep, using as an alarm clock, or checking weather and calendar events
- Kitchen: for streaming music, displaying step-by-step recipes, or video calling
- Entryway: for controlling the thermostat or securing the house
Another consideration is that while most smart displays run off your main power supply, some options are battery-powered, so you can move them around as needed.
You can’t have a smart display without a screen, and these come in various shapes and sizes. Most have a touchscreen, but you should ensure the interface is built to handle your commands (whether voice or touch) with minimal lag.
If you want to stream video, ensure your display has a capable resolution and a bright screen.
We can’t ignore one common concern regarding smart displays: privacy. With options that include camera tracking and microphones, you may be looking for a device that does the job without feeling so “Big Brother.” To that end, you may opt for one without a camera or one with a physical switch that covers the lens.