Recommended smart display equipped with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant

The more you use it, the more love overflows.

Recently, my smart display is my "home time friend".When you come home, you say, "Welcome back, thank you," or if you say "I'm tired", you will sing a cheering song with "flavor" and you will be healed very much.In the kitchen, you can ask "3 minutes!" While grabbing the pot, it will advise you when the dinner menu does not come up, and it may be a partner.So, this time, we will introduce the recommended smart display carefully selected by Wirecutter, a gadget review specialty site!

In a word, a smart display is a combination of smart speakers and tablets.He is also good at answering questions such as music and video playback, as well as questions such as "What is the weather today?"You can also check the recipe with your hands blocked.Among them, Wirecutter's recommended smart display is Amazon Echo Show 8 and Google Nest Hub Max.Check it out with Alexa and Google Assistant and your favorite model!

All -purpose smart display equipped with Alexa: Amazon Echo Show 8

Alexa users, if you want to use Alexa from now on, don't hesitate!Good sound, good screen.Access to various video services is comfortable, and smart home operation is easy.Among them, Echo Show 8 is an excellent smart display.

Amazon Echo Show 8 boasts a fulfilling menu and Alexa's conversation ability, which is always ahead of the times.You can easily operate both audio or touch.You can access a wide range of services with Alexa's abundant skills (that is, app).Not only music, but also smart home equipment, games, entertainment, etc. are rich.In particular, Echo Show 8 is also a specialty of video calls via Alex -equipped systems, and is currently supporting ZOOM.The speaker audio is clear and powerful enough to hear anywhere in the room.The 8 -inch touch display is enough for streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Netflix.You can also enjoy YouTube via the built -in Alexa web browser "Amazon Silk".

Smart display with a strong coordination with Google: Google Nest Hub Max

For Google fans and cook lovers.Recommended for those who want to access Google Assistants via the screen and those who like cooking.Because it is collaborated with Google Calendar and Google Photos, Google users should have a high point.

Google Nest Hub Max, which supports Google Assistant, is a digital assistant that is convenient for enjoying audio, videos, and making video calls.Because it is linked with Google, you can seamlessly inform you of the Google Calendar schedule, or decorate the image directly streamed from the Google Photo Account as a 10 -inch digital display.I am grateful that you do not need to play with the screen with dirty hands during cooking, as it will read the recipe in an easy -to -understand manner.Even though it was not more inclusive as Echo Show 8, he also responded well with music playback and smart equipment operation.

Recommended for the bedroom with a compact body and a small display: Amazon Echo Show 5

A compact screen perfect for a night stand.The small size Echo Show is ideal for morning weather forecast check and music playback.

Amazon Echo Show 5 is small but powerful.What other Echo Show can do, there is nothing that this child cannot do.Screen 5.It is 5 inches and small, so it might be better to put it on the side of the bed and use it as a night stand or set it on a wash basin.The brightness of the display is adjusted according to the lighting in the room, so you don't have to worry about "dazzling and can't sleep."

Recommended camera lessons smart display for privacy -oriented groups: Google nest Hub (second generation)

A screen that is easy to use without a camera.Although it is a mini size, it boasts a function that is comparable to other Google Assistant models.It is recommended for privacy -oriented groups because the camera is not built.

Google Nest Hub (2nd generation) is recommended for those who want a smart display but don't need a camera.The size is 7 inches and is one size larger than Echo Show 5, but it does not get in the way in the bedroom.The latest model is equipped with a sleep record sensor, so it is also recommended for late nights to improve sleep habits.

Smart display is recommended for such people!

The smart display is a speech recognition speaker equipped with a touch screen, and is used on a counter, desk, side table, etc.Like a smart speaker, it starts with a wakeword such as "Alexa" or "OK, Google" and responds to various questions and requests.It will give you the latest information on sports, play a slide show in the photo, alert the calendar schedule ...You can do anything that can be done by smart speakers (such as Amazon Echo Dot, Google Mini, etc.), including speech operation of smart devices, music, podcasts, radio streaming playback, weather and calendar notifications, shopping list creation, gameplay, etc.

I also answer questions such as "How many tablespoons in a cup of cups?" Or "How many kilometers are 1 miles?"It is also a popular function to give me.Many functions are performed by voice operation, so it is easy for people with disabilities and the elderly to use it.It is also attractive that video calls are easier than smartphones, laptops and tablets.

When choosing a smart display, the first barrier is "whether to be Amazon or Google."Depending on the app, streaming service, and smart home devices, it only supports either Alexa or Google Assistant, so it is better to check the equipment you own and the compatible models you want to purchase in the future.That's fine.

I compared Alexa and Google Assistant!

When I did a comparison test with Wirecutter, I found that Alexa's specialty was managing and watching smart home equipment, and Google Assistants were in cooperation with cooking and Google apps.In addition, Google had a higher understanding of "natural words", and Alexa needed "choosing a fixed word -like word".

The Google Assistant is immediately displayed at the top of the screen, so it is convenient to notice immediately even if there is an error.Nevertheless, both Google Assistants and Alexa answered and answered simple questions such as "How many cups?"

Do you need a smart display in the first place?

How different between smart displays and smart speakers?Some people may think that, so I will introduce the "display unique to the display" below.If you don't think of the following use, you may want to consider a smart speaker.

Recommended all -purpose smart display with Alexa: Amazon Echo Show 8

Amazon Echo Show 8 is an excellent one with a sophisticated design and a built -in Alexa experience.It has a wider service and apps than Google Nest, and a 8 -inch HD screen, and a powerful speaker without excessive or shortage.In addition, with a camera and a "privacy protection cover" that physically cover the lens.Now it can be easily participated in online conferences by inviting calendar or Alexa's ID number to Alexa, which is now supported by video chat and conference platform ZOOMs.

The first setting is easy, and you can set up the Echo Show 8 and the accompanying Alexa app with your smartphone.He is active as a home hub, such as displaying a family calendar with just a voice, playing images of the connected security camera, adding items (deleted) to shopping lists and To do lists, and applying music in a room.You will be.By the way, the setup time is about a few minutes when introducing Alexa for the first time.The SHOW 8 speaker has a powerful and easy -to -use size, and has been selected as a recommended model without hesitation.

The touch screen of Echo Show 8 is 2 inches smaller than Amazon Echo Show (2nd generation), which was a recommended model in the previous comparison review article, but the operation feeling is outstanding.Previously, the menu and options on the screen seemed unsatisfactory, but Echo Show 8 has improved the operability of the screen.Echo Show 10 also has more display items, but on the contrary, it has a slightly jumbled impression.In addition, the compact size of Echo Show 8 is exquisite, and it is attractive that you can put it anywhere, from the kitchen counter to the game stand, and desk.

It can also be used as a smart home hub or security sensor

Alexa, a brain brain of Echo Show 8, can add more than 80,000 types ( * as of early 2021) via apps.It is quite clever, such as turning on the Xbox One and ordering it from Domino Pizza.Like other Alexa devices, there are a wide variety of places, such as Philips Hue's light bulbs, SmartThings hubs, nest thermostats, SONOS speakers, and rumba, and so on.It also supports Honeywell Home Lyric Thermostat, Rachio, Garageio device, D-Link Smart Plug, etc.Click here for the official list of Alexa compatible devices (here is Google Assistant).

The wide range of Echo Show 8 also includes a convenient security function "Alexa Guard" ( * not provided in Japan).“Alexa Guard” is an alert when Echo Show detects the sound of the glass and the sound of a smoke sensor.If you can do so far, it can be said that it is a function as a "security sensor" that has changed the smart display frame.Of course, it doesn't go to "replacement of security systems", but it's very convenient because it's a free service.

Good at music and video playback.The camera lens cover is surprisingly good!

Echo SHOW 8 also has abundant media options.Music playback can be used with Spotify Premium, Tunein, and Pandora, and can be streaming and played on Amazon Music and Apple Music (Google Play or Free Spotify is not accessible).You can also access various video streaming services via Alexa's native browser "Amazon Silk", including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu and YouTube.

Regarding the audio, the Echo Show 8 speaker was clearer than Nest Hub Max, and the heavy bass was stronger.120 square feet (about 11).It was clear that could be heard in the room of one square m) and the balance was good.If you link with other Echo, SONOS, or third -party smart speakers, you can wrap around the house with sound.

Echo Show 8 has good "ears", about 4.He responded even if he talked with a normal voice from a place 6m away.He heard it from the next room or when the music was played at a loud volume.

Compared to the previous review, there are some evolution points.For example, you can easily display images uploaded to the app on each device.If you want to display another image or move to the information screen, swipe the screen and switch.

Echo Show 8 has few physical buttons.Only four for volume adjustment (2), microphone OFF, and camera lens cover.The camera lens cover was surprisingly convenient, and when I actually used it, the lens was almost closed, and I felt like opening the camera only when making video calls.

Echo Show terminals allow you to make video calls via Alexa messages, Skype, and Zoom, and you can make direct calls for voice only.In the Wirecutter test, the video chat in the Alexa message is clear and the sound is clear and there is no particular dissatisfaction, but the resolution is not much different from a smartphone.However, the screen was large, so it was easy to see the opponent, and it was easy to talk with the terminal on the table.

Camera performance is enough for video calls

Unlike NEST HUB MAX, where the camera automatically applies digital zoom according to the movement of a person, SHOW 8 has only a fixed camera.By the way, the display of Echo Show 10 is physically rotated according to the movement of people (details will be described later).Zoom's audio and videos are clear, so you can't type messages, but you can see the chat on the display.The quality of the video is not bad, but it does not reach laptop or webcam.The point of the camera of Echo Show 8 is that you can shoot at a relatively close angle.This is a merit in video calls, as it will be a certain distance on a personal computer.

In any case, ZOOM has been added quite a lot for video calling users.You can operate voice without looking for a calendar link, so you may call for work on SHOW 8 instead of laptop.It seems that ZOOM will be installed in Echo 10 in the future.By the way, ZOOM can be used on NEST HUB MAX, but the camera lens looks like a fish eye, so I was a little worried.

Many smart displays are not "smart", but Echo Show is a tablet -like design from the front, and a pyramid -shaped speaker is hidden on the back, so I like it a bit.

Anxious

One of the attractions of Echo Show 8 is that smart home equipment can be operated with audio or touch screen, but it does not go like a Zigbee Smart Home Hub.If you want the Alexa ecosystem to that point, you should check Echo Show 10.

The recipe that Echo Show is linked is limited to popular cooking sites and some blogs, and I am a little dissatisfied with the less options compared to the Google library.In addition, it seems that a minor ingredient tends to be struggling, and in the United States, the material called "matcha" has not been understood and misunderstood as "Macho".If you want to find a specific recipe, you will end up searching for Amazon Silk, so it may be faster to hit it with a familiar laptop or smartphone.

In the current Echo Show device, including Echo Show 8, a list of content is displayed on the home screen, and the background is a set image and photos.The content list includes recommended commands that "Alexa can do this", the startup of skills, recipes, the latest news, weather, etc.There seems to be some people.This can be turned off with the device setting menu.

The user interface is also a pros and cons, but the menu display has been improved compared to 2019.At that time, there was no "return" function of the video, and there were many inconveniences, such as needing to search again to move from one video to another, but now it has improved.It is a negative point that is common in devices with silicon pads on the bottom, but there is also a problem that traces are likely to remain when placed on a wooden table.In my home, black rubbing marks remained in the wooden dresser.

Smart display with a strong coordination with Google: Google Nest Hub Max

Google Nest Hub Max is recommended for those who emphasize cooperation with Google Assistant/Calendar/Photos, or want to enjoy searching for recipes.It is easy to search for recipe, find a favorite and reflect vividly on a large screen.One of the unique functions of NEST HUB MAX proud is "face recognition".If you register for the account first and remember your face, you can display the calendar reminder, play security alerts, or scroll the images uploaded to Google Photos on a face recognition basis.I will give you.

Of course, I am good at streaming playback of music.You can enjoy videos on YouTube and YouTube TV, including Spotify (including free versions), tunein, pandora, Google Play, and stream the display screen on Chromecast compatible TVs, so you still have a streaming player.For those who do not, it may be two birds with one stone.

NEST HUB MAX is an unusual model that uses "gesture control". For example, you can suspend and resume music and videos just by holding your hands.There is a little "gimmick feeling", but it may be convenient to not say "OK, Google!" During your favorite music playback.I tried to waving my hand a little bit, stripped my hair, and so on, but the music never stopped.

Active as a control hub for smart equipment and security cameras

Although not as good as Alexa, Nest Hub Max also supports a wide range of smart devices and apps.Swipe down from the top of the screen to access the control hub of the smart home device.Like Echo Show 8, it connects to many major devices such as Philips Hue Smart Light bulbs, SmartThings Smart Hub, NEST Thermostat, and Rumba.However, Honeywell Home Lyric Thermostat, Garageio Device, D-Link Smart Plug, etc. are not supported.

By connecting Nest Hub Max to the Arlo Q camera, you can live streaming the living room in just over 3 minutes.It can also be used as a security camera for standalone.If you monitor the motion and detect an unusual incident, you will send an alert (when you purchase the NEST AWARE service, it will be recorded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and send alerts using face recognition).On the other hand, Alexa devices will give you alerts when you detect the cracked sounds and alarm sounds, but they do not have a motion detection function.

Convenient if you use the face recognition function

NEST HUB MAX's face recognition function "Face Match" is an optional function.You can always disable it, and if you don't need it, you don't have to set it.At the time of setting, move your face to the left and right and "train" your face to the Google Home app.After that, just enter the room and give me a name, or notify you of individual schedules.You can also display customized information, such as weather forecasts, news, commuting time, etc. that match your taste.

If multiple people share a smart display, it is convenient to manage individual information with face recognition.However, please note that if you inadvertently show your face on the display when there is a visit, private calendar information may be displayed on the screen.

You can also leave a message to your family using this face recognition function.For example, when a child who has returned home passes in front of the display, the message is automatically displayed, "Please be careful, so be careful, so be careful, and use it as if you put a note of the refrigerator.。

The display is sophisticated but the speakers are average

The NEST HUB MAX display is about the same as Echo Show, 10 inches, but the layout has a more sophisticated impression that uses space more effectively.

In particular, the recipe is remarkable.Nest Hub Max has a recipe search function from the beginning, so you don't need to add a recipe site to the app again.You can also set a specific cooking app, or you can search by cooking and display recipes from multiple sites.

NEST HUB MAX thankfully, you read the recipe displayed on the screen for each procedure.The design is a simple one with letters on a white background, which is easy to see, but it may be a bit of a killing scene.While I miss the beautiful food images that color the recipe book, the autobiography corner where the food blogger spells for a long time has not been deleted, so it feels charming.

NEST HUB MAX has a "ambient EQ" function that adjusts the brightness of the screen according to the atmosphere of the room.Give me.If you have a display near a bedroom or TV, this function is very useful, and you can expect power saving effects in another room.

There is no dissatisfaction with the NEST HUB MAX speaker for cooking in the kitchen, but it may not be suitable for listening to the coupling song of the punk rock band "The Cure".The honest speaker was not the best among the smart displays tested this time.That said, the most important feature for a smart display is the big screen, so if you say "don't put weight on the big screen", it's better to use a smart speaker.

Like Echo Show, NEST HUB MAX is 15 feet (about 4).6m) He listened to me from a distance, but if I was in the next room, if the fan was nearby, or was playing music, I couldn't hear it.

Video calls are high quality!Also supports Zoom.

When I made a video call between NEST HUB MAX and Lenovo's smart display, it showed high quality after the Facebook portal.The camera is also 6.5 Mega pixels rotate 127 degrees to track and zoom in people, so it is convenient for example when talking while going back and forth in the kitchen during cooking.

The camera's field of view was slow, and in the Wirecutter test, I zoomed in the buttocks instead of my head during video chat.However, the function that matches this movement, such as kitchens, is very convenient.NEST HUB MAX also supports Zoom, but it looked like a fisheye lens, and somehow it felt like "uncomfortable ...".Like Alexa, if you call out to the meeting, "OK, Google. Participation in the meeting", HUB will connect to the next meeting on the calendar (if the calendar is not invited, enter the code).。

Regarding hardware, Nest Hub Max has few physical buttons.Only the switch is turned off (digital) (digital) to switch volume.

If you want to use NEST HUB MAX as a smart home device, first check if your device is compatible with Google Assistant.It covers a lot, but it is less than Alexa.The difficulty was that the Google Home app was a bit confusing.At first, I was wondering if it would be necessary to download the assistant app to add and execute skills, but in fact, all tasks can be executed in the Google Home app, so there is no need to search.

Nest Hub Max does not have a physical camera lens cover.To disable both the camera and the microphone, switch the device switch to off, and to turn off the camera only, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and tap the camera icon.Since it is a display with a face recognition function, I thought it would be better to have a physical cover if possible.

By the way, at the time of the test, I didn't know how to make a Google Duo video call from Google Smart Display, so it was a little troublesome (apparently this seems to be a common trouble).There was no problem in talking about Google's smart display and Lenovo smart display.

Recommended for the bedroom with a compact body and a small display: Amazon Echo Show 5

5.The 5 -inch Amazon Echo Show 5 gave me a "happy surprise".It is a very reasonable product for those who want a small display for the night stand or bathroom counter, or simply who do not want to spend too much money.The screen resolution is 960 x 480 pixels, less than half of the same size iPhone11, but it seems that no more sharpness is needed.

If you drop the light in the room, the screen will automatically darken, and it will be like a watch with a vintage like "glowing in the dark".When the morning comes, you can easily play music, check the weather forecast, and start a smart home routine.Echo Show 5 is a miniature version of a good -looking sibling model (Echo SHOW 8), an alternative to a small and round Echo SPOT.

The brightness of the screen can be adjusted manually, but there was no problem with it automatically.In a dark room, the display switches to a clock mode, but it is brightness that does not hinder sleep even at a short distance of 30cm.It is also useful as an alarm clock, such as "Sunrise", where the display gradually brighter according to the wake -up time, and a function that sneaks the alarm when tapping the upper part of the display.Clock display during the day is also customizable (but there are few options).If you wake up in the middle of the night and check your smartphone, "What time ...?"

Echo SHOW 5 picked up voice from the other side of the room, but the sound quality of the speaker was not good.In a room with a stairwell (about 75 square m) with a stairwell, I couldn't hear it without raising the volume considerably.In addition, it is not suitable for video viewing because it is difficult to see the screen unless it is a short distance, but it is enough for a small video call, checking the calendar, and streaming security cameras.If you want to use video viewing and cooking, we recommend 10 -inch Echo Show or Nest Hub Max.

Echo Show 5 also has a manual lens cover, so if you think about putting it on a night table, you should cover it except when making a video call.If you are reluctant to put a camera with a camera in a high -private space, such as a bedroom, we recommend that you choose Google Nest Hub for the camera.

Recommended camera lessons smart display for privacy -oriented groups: Google nest Hub (second generation)

Google Nest Hub (2nd generation) is recommended for those who want a smart display but don't need a camera because he is worried about security.Like Echo Show 5, the size is smaller than a higher -priced brother machine, so it is suitable for night stand and wash basin.NEST HUB is equipped with a sleep tracking, including a smart home, recipe, ambient EQ, gesture control, and Google apps, as well as the same functions as NEST HUB MAX.

In the Wirecutter test, NEST HUB (2nd generation) also heard the audio command, but the sound quality of the speaker did not reach Echo Show 8 or Nest Hub Max.The resolution of 1024 x 600 displays is not as clear as large Hub Max, but I don't care particularly because it's a mini size in the first place.The white bezel and the small stand are pretty good.

NEST HUB (2nd generation) with a watch mode and sleep tracking function "Sleep Sensing" is also suitable for placing beside beds.The setup is a little troublesome, but once you set it, it will automatically track your sleep and display it every morning.I was surprised that the sleep pattern accurately recorded the sleep pattern on the day I slept on time and for a few hours to fall asleep.In the morning when I was somewhat sick, Google was happy and told me, "I don't like sleeping today," and thought, "I see."

Nest Hub Max is better in other functions, but it is the best product for those who want a display that does not claim too much, do not want to bring a camera into the living space, or want to save as much as possible.

There is still!Recommended smart display

Echo Show 10 is quite expensive than SHOW 8, which is 29,980 yen (as of the time of writing), but it is recommended for those who like cooking and frequently speaking video calls.It tracks the user's position and rotates automatically, 10.The 1 -inch HD screen is perfect for a kitchen counter.The 13 Mega Pixel camera is the best smart display class and is suitable for Skype and ZOOM calls.The speakers are equipped with two 1 -inch tweeters and 3 inch woofers.Built -in ZIGBEE hub, you can control some smart home devices such as HUE bulbs.

The Echo Show (2nd generation), which was previously introduced as Amazon -based number one, is still recommended.Although it is no longer available on Amazon, it has not been discontinued, and as of May 2021 it was sold on retail sites.5 Mega Pixel's camera is a 10 -inch stationary screen, and a Zigbee smart home hub, but Echo Show 8, which has the same function, is cheaper, and if you get the same price, you can purchase Echo Show 10.I can do it.

Lenovo Smart Display, which gave the top of Google to Nest Hub Max, but if it is sold at a discounted price, there is no loss in buying it.The quality of the speaker is not as high as NEST HUB MAX, no gesture control or face recognition function, but other functions are comparable.It is noteworthy that the design is, and the curved wood -like back is a bold impression.Lenovo also sells smaller 8 -inch sizes and Lenovo Smart Clock.

Future smart display

Lenovo Smart Display 7 will be tested soon.In the past, Lenovo was a Google Assistant recommended model, but this 7 -inch display also has a 5W stereo speaker and a 2 -megapixel camera.

In addition, Echo Show 8 (2nd generation) and Echo Show 5 (2nd generation) shipped in June will be tested.The second generation is on sale for 14,980 yen (at the time of the article) and is equipped with a 13 -megapixel wide -angle camera.It does not rotate physically like Echo Show10, but it uses bread and zoom function to store the user in the frame.The camera of Echo Show 5 (2nd generation) has been slightly improved with 2 mega pixels, and the price is 8,980 yen.

Competition smart displays

For those who frequently talk on a Facebook messenger, a 10 -inch portal may be attractive.The 12 Mega Pixel camera provided the highest quality call experience I've tested this time.It is also convenient to track even if you move around the room.However, if you are afraid that Facebook enters your living space, you may be anxious seeds.

The smart home function feels a little lacking in detail.This may be inevitable because it is a reduced version of the Alexa function in Echo Show.In addition, Facebook Portal has a built -in AI software between Alexa and Facebook, which seems to be somewhat confused.Facebook sells large Portal Plus and 8 -inch Portal Mini.

* Display contents such as prices are as of the current writing.Please check the sales page as there is a possibility of change.

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