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Staying connected with family, especially when distance separates you, is more important than ever. While smartphones and tablets have made it easier to see and talk to loved ones, smart displays offer a hands-free, intuitive, and often more engaging experience for video calls. These devices, with their built-in screens and voice assistants, simplify the process of connecting, making it accessible for everyone, regardless of their tech savviness. Let’s delve into the world of smart displays and discover why they’re becoming a must-have for families seeking to bridge the geographical gap.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Hands-Free Operation | Easier for those less tech-savvy; allows multi-tasking. |
| Larger Screen | Improved visibility, especially for older family members. |
| Voice Control | Simple commands to initiate calls. |
| Always Ready | No need to find and charge a phone or tablet. |
| Shared Family Album Features | Display and share photos easily. |
| Smart Home Integration | Control smart devices during calls (e.g., dim lights). |
| Digital Assistant Features | Access to information, weather, and more during calls. |
Why Choose a Smart Display for Family Video Calls?
Smart displays are designed with user-friendliness in mind. They offer several advantages over traditional video calling methods, making them an ideal solution for connecting with family:
Simplicity and Ease of Use
One of the biggest benefits of a smart display is its simplicity. Unlike smartphones or tablets, which require navigating through multiple apps, smart displays are designed to be intuitive and easy to use. Many can be activated with a simple voice command like “Hey Google, call Mom” or “Alexa, call Grandma.” This ease of use is particularly valuable for older family members who may find smartphones too complicated.
Hands-Free Convenience
Smart displays allow for hands-free operation, which means you can move around, cook, or engage in other activities while staying connected with your family. This is especially useful when you want to share an experience, like cooking a family recipe, or simply want to be more present in the conversation without holding a device.
Larger Screen for Better Visibility
The larger screen of a smart display offers improved visibility compared to a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly beneficial for older family members who may have difficulty seeing smaller screens. A larger screen also makes it easier for multiple people to participate in the video call at the same time, fostering a more inclusive experience.
Always Ready and Accessible
Smart displays are designed to be always on and ready for a call. Unlike smartphones or tablets, which may be tucked away in a drawer or need to be charged, smart displays are typically placed in a central location in the home, making them easily accessible whenever you want to connect with family. This “always-on” accessibility encourages spontaneous video calls and helps maintain a stronger connection.
Built-in Features for Family Connection
Many smart displays come with features specifically designed to enhance family connections. These features may include shared photo albums, which allow you to easily share and display family photos, as well as integration with other smart home devices, allowing you to control lights, thermostats, and other devices during video calls. Some also offer interactive games and activities that can be enjoyed together during video calls, fostering a sense of togetherness even when you’re physically apart.
Top Smart Displays for Video Calling with Family
Choosing the right smart display depends on your family’s specific needs and preferences. Here are some of the top options available on the market:
Google Nest Hub Max
The Google Nest Hub Max is an excellent choice for families who are already invested in the Google ecosystem. It features a large 10-inch screen, a high-resolution camera, and Google Assistant integration, making it easy to initiate video calls with a simple voice command. Its facial recognition feature can also personalize the display for each family member, showing relevant information and notifications. The Nest Hub Max integrates seamlessly with Google Meet and Duo, making video calls straightforward. The auto-framing feature ensures that you’re always in the center of the frame, even if you move around.
The Nest Hub Max also excels as a smart home hub, allowing you to control compatible devices with voice commands or through the touchscreen display. You can adjust the thermostat, turn on lights, and even view your security camera feeds, all from the same device you use for video calls. Its digital photo frame functionality is a bonus, allowing you to display cherished memories from Google Photos.
Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen)
The Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) stands out with its rotating screen, which follows you as you move around the room during video calls. This ensures that you’re always in the frame, even if you’re multitasking. It also features a 10.1-inch display, a high-resolution camera, and Amazon Alexa integration, making it easy to initiate video calls with a simple voice command. The Echo Show 10 works seamlessly with Alexa Calling and Zoom.
Beyond video calls, the Echo Show 10 serves as a comprehensive smart home hub, allowing you to control compatible devices, play music, stream videos, and access a wide range of information and services through Alexa. The rotating screen makes it particularly useful for following recipes while cooking, as you can easily view the display from different angles. Amazon Photos integration allows for easy display of family pictures.
Facebook Portal+ (Gen 2)
The Facebook Portal+ (Gen 2) is designed specifically for video calling, with a focus on making conversations feel more natural and engaging. It features a large 14-inch display, a high-resolution camera, and AI-powered camera panning and zooming, which automatically adjusts the frame to keep everyone in view. The Portal+ works seamlessly with WhatsApp and Messenger, making it easy to connect with friends and family. It also offers augmented reality (AR) effects and games that can be enjoyed during video calls.
While primarily focused on video calling, the Portal+ also offers access to streaming services like Netflix and Spotify. Its built-in Alexa integration allows you to control smart home devices and access information and services with voice commands. The Portal+ is a solid choice for families who primarily use WhatsApp or Messenger for communication.
Lenovo Smart Display 7
The Lenovo Smart Display 7 offers a more compact and affordable option for families who don’t need a large screen. It features a 7-inch display, Google Assistant integration, and a sleek design that blends seamlessly into any home décor. While its camera resolution may not be as high as some of the other options on this list, it still provides a decent video calling experience. The Lenovo Smart Display 7 integrates well with Google Duo for video calls.
Despite its smaller size, the Lenovo Smart Display 7 still offers a range of features, including smart home control, digital photo frame functionality, and access to Google Assistant. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller spaces, such as kitchens or bedrooms.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Smart Display
When selecting a smart display for video calls with family, consider the following features:
Screen Size and Resolution
The screen size and resolution will impact the visibility and clarity of video calls. A larger screen is generally better for families who want to see each other clearly, especially if older family members have difficulty seeing smaller screens. A higher resolution will provide a sharper and more detailed image. Consider the viewing distance when determining the optimal screen size.
Camera Quality
The camera quality is crucial for clear and detailed video calls. Look for a smart display with a high-resolution camera and a wide field of view. Some smart displays also offer features like auto-framing and background noise cancellation, which can further enhance the video calling experience.
Voice Assistant Integration
The voice assistant integration will determine how easy it is to initiate video calls and control other smart home devices. Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa are the two most popular voice assistants, and each offers its own set of features and integrations. Choose a smart display that integrates with the voice assistant you’re already familiar with or that best suits your needs.
Compatibility with Video Calling Platforms
Ensure that the smart display is compatible with the video calling platforms that your family uses most often. Some smart displays work seamlessly with specific platforms like Google Meet, Zoom, WhatsApp, or Messenger. If your family uses multiple platforms, look for a smart display that supports them all.
Smart Home Integration
If you have other smart home devices, consider a smart display that integrates with them. This will allow you to control your lights, thermostat, and other devices during video calls, adding an extra layer of convenience and functionality.
Privacy Features
Privacy is an important consideration when choosing a smart display. Look for devices with physical camera shutters or microphone mute buttons. These features allow you to easily disable the camera and microphone when you’re not using them, providing added peace of mind.
Setting Up Your Smart Display for Family Video Calls
Setting up a smart display for family video calls is generally a straightforward process. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth setup:
Choose the Right Location
Select a central location in your home that is well-lit and has a stable Wi-Fi connection. Avoid placing the smart display in direct sunlight or near sources of noise, such as a TV or stereo. Consider the viewing angle and distance when choosing the location.
Connect to Wi-Fi
Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to connect the smart display to your Wi-Fi network. Ensure that you have a strong and stable Wi-Fi connection for optimal video calling performance.
Set Up Voice Assistant
Configure the voice assistant by following the on-screen prompts. This will allow you to initiate video calls and control other smart home devices with voice commands.
Link Your Video Calling Accounts
Link your video calling accounts (e.g., Google Meet, Zoom, WhatsApp, Messenger) to the smart display. This will allow you to easily connect with family members who use those platforms.
Teach Family Members How to Use It
Take the time to teach family members how to use the smart display, especially those who are less tech-savvy. Show them how to initiate video calls, adjust the volume, and use other features. Provide clear and simple instructions.
Tips for Enhancing Family Video Calls with a Smart Display
Here are some tips for making family video calls with a smart display more engaging and enjoyable:
Schedule Regular Calls
Establish a regular schedule for family video calls to ensure that everyone stays connected. This could be a weekly call on Sunday evenings or a daily check-in in the mornings.
Plan Activities Together
Plan activities that you can enjoy together during video calls, such as cooking a meal, playing a game, or watching a movie. This will make the calls more interactive and engaging.
Share Family Photos and Videos
Use the smart display to share family photos and videos. This is a great way to reminisce about old memories and create new ones.
Use Augmented Reality (AR) Effects and Games
If your smart display supports AR effects and games, use them to add a fun and playful element to your video calls. This is especially appealing to younger family members.
Be Present and Engaged
During video calls, put away your phone, turn off the TV, and focus on being present and engaged with your family. This will make them feel valued and appreciated.
Smart displays offer a compelling way to enhance family connections through effortless video calls. From simple setup to hands-free operation and features designed for shared experiences, these devices bridge distances and foster a stronger sense of togetherness. Choosing the right smart display involves careful consideration of screen size, camera quality, voice assistant compatibility, and privacy features. By setting up your device thoughtfully and implementing strategies to make calls engaging, you can create meaningful moments with loved ones, regardless of location. Embrace the technology and enjoy the enhanced connection it provides.
