How to Use Smart Displays as Home Entertainment Hubs

7 October 2025

So, you’ve got yourself a shiny new smart display, and now you’re wondering what to do with it—besides asking it to tell you the weather for the millionth time. Well, my friend, buckle up because we’re about to turn your humble smart display into the ultimate home entertainment hub.

Gone are the days when your TV remote was the only gateway to world-class entertainment. Smart displays have stormed into our living rooms like a tech-savvy superhero, ready to stream, play, and control everything at the sound of your voice. Let’s dive into how you can make the most of your smart display and inject some serious fun into your home!

🎬 Streaming Movies & TV Shows Like a Pro

Who needs a traditional TV when your smart display can serve up your favorite movies and binge-worthy shows on demand?

1. Link Your Streaming Services

Before you go full Netflix-and-chill mode, take a minute to set up your favorite streaming services. Depending on your smart display (Google Nest Hub, Amazon Echo Show, etc.), you can link platforms like:

- Netflix (because what is life without it?)
- Hulu
- Disney+ (for when you want to cry over childhood nostalgia)
- YouTube TV (live sports and news, baby!)

Once linked, all you have to do is say, "Hey [voice assistant], play Stranger Things on Netflix," and boom—you’re lost in the Upside Down.

2. Use Picture-in-Picture Mode (If Supported)

Some smart displays (we're looking at you, Echo Show) allow picture-in-picture, so you can watch your show while checking out the recipe for that lasagna you’re probably going to burn. Talk about multitasking like a boss.

3. Stream from Your Phone

Can’t find your favorite show in the built-in apps? No problem—you can always cast from your phone using Chromecast (for Google Nest Hub users) or screen mirroring on compatible devices. It’s basically magic, but better.

🎵 Transform Your Space into a Concert Hall

Whether you're into head-banging rock or soothing jazz, your smart display can turn your home into a personal concert venue.

1. Connect Your Favorite Music Services

Link up your favorite music apps like:

- Spotify (because every road trip singalong starts here)
- Apple Music
- YouTube Music
- Amazon Music

The best part? You can control the music with just your voice. "Hey Google, play my Dance Party playlist," and suddenly, your living room is a nightclub.

2. Sync It with Smart Speakers

Want room-filling sound? Sync your smart display with other smart speakers for a surround sound experience. Imagine your entire house vibing to your favorite playlist—it’s like living inside your own personal music video.

3. Use Lyrics Display for Karaoke Nights

Some displays can show lyrics while playing songs (cough Echo Show cough). So next time you’re screaming—I mean, singing—to Adele, at least you’ll have the right words.

🎮 Gaming - More Than Just Angry Birds

Who said smart displays are just for passive entertainment? If you're a gamer (or just looking to kill time), your display has some tricks up its sleeve.

1. Voice-Controlled Trivia & Puzzle Games

Test your knowledge with interactive games like:

- "Hey Google, play Jeopardy!"
- "Alexa, start Song Quiz!"
- "OK Google, open 20 Questions"

These games are perfect for flexing your brain muscles while waiting for your pizza to arrive.

2. Interactive Story Games

Want to go full RPG mode? Some smart displays offer interactive storytelling games where your choices shape the adventure. It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure book, but way cooler.

3. Use It as a Second Screen for Console Gaming

Some games support casting or second-screen features, allowing you to display maps, inventory, or guides while you game on the big screen. It’s the ultimate cheat code!

📸 Photo Frames & Memory Sharing

One of the most underrated features of smart displays? They make amazing digital photo frames.

1. Link Google Photos or Amazon Photos

Gone are the days when you had to print photos to relive memories. Just set up a shared album, and your display will rotate through your best moments automatically.

2. Turn It into a Family Hub

Have family members share pictures in real-time. Grandma sends a cute pic of her cat? Boom—it’s on the display instantly. It’s like social media, but without the drama and cryptic status updates.

🎤 Video Calls & Keeping in Touch

Your smart display isn’t just an entertainment hub—it’s also a futuristic communication device. (We're officially living in The Jetsons era, people.)

1. Make Hands-Free Video Calls

No need to grab your phone—just say:

- "Alexa, call Mom"
- "Hey Google, video call John"

And just like that, you're in a full-blown face-to-face chat.

2. Use Drop-In & Broadcast Features

Amazon Echo Show users can drop in on other Echo devices (hello, instant intercom system!). Google users can broadcast messages like:

"Hey Google, broadcast: Dinner’s ready!"

Boom! Your kids hear it in every room—no need to yell up the stairs.

🏠 Smart Home Control - The Ultimate Bonus

Now, what’s an entertainment hub without smart home integration?

1. Control Your Smart Lights & TV

Dim the lights, turn on the TV, and set the perfect movie night mood—all with your voice. Try saying:

- "Alexa, dim the lights to 20%."
- "OK Google, turn on the living room TV."

Instant ambiance, no more fumbling for remotes.

2. Set Up Routines for Instant Vibe Changes

Create a movie night routine that:

✅ Lowers the lights
✅ Turns on your TV
✅ Plays a relaxing background playlist

It’s like having a personal butler, minus the tuxedo.

3. Connect to Your Smart Security Cameras

Need to check who's at the door while watching your favorite show? Just say:

"Hey Google, show me the front door camera."

Now you can ignore the delivery person without even getting off the couch. Pure luxury.

🎉 Conclusion

So, what have we learned? Your smart display is a powerhouse of entertainment, a music maestro, a gaming sidekick, a personal assistant, and even a family connection hub. Whether you’re binging Netflix, turning your house into a club, or reliving memories through a digital photo frame, your smart display is so much more than just a glorified weather reporter.

Now, go forth and unleash the full potential of your smart display. And remember: with great power comes great responsibility—mainly the responsibility to never let yourself get bored again.