Smart big-screen alternatives

Next Hub Max ($299) Google’s biggest smart speaker features a 10inch screen and built-in stereo speakers designed to let users watch Youtube videos or stream music. The big device is designed like a typical smart speaker that sits firmly in place, and also comes with a front-facing camera that will support Google Meet or Zoom calls, or can be used as a security camera.

Meta Portal Plus ($519) The company formerly known as Facebook doesn’t have a big hold on the smart device market in Australia but it does sell a large gadget called the Portal Plus. It features a 14-inch display that tilts, is designed to stream music, remind you of upcoming events and, most of all, deliver video calls using its camera. That camera also has a built-in privacy cover.

Lenovo Thinksmart View ($379) Lenovo’s latest smart display was created with work in mind. Rather than running Google software, the Thinksmart View supports

Microsoft and can deliver Microsoft Teams calls securely. The device features an eight-inch touchscreen, a five-megapixel camera with privacy shutter, and 10-watt speakers down one side that are backed by two passive tweeters for better audio quality.