The new household gadget of choice

Smart displays that function as home assistants are gaining traction, with Amazon, Google and Facebook all launching new devices

Amazon Echo Show
Price: $229.99
Release: Oct 11
Unique selling point: Access content from Prime subscription, like movies, TV shows, music and audio books
Display: 10.1in (25.7mm)
Video calls
Multi-room audio
Smart home hub
Digital assistant:
Amazon Alexa
See also: Amazon Echo Spot ($129.99), smaller, round screen and mono speaker


Facebook Portal
Price: $199.00
Release: Nov 15
Unique selling point:
During video chat, Smart Camera adjusts to follow people as they move around room
Display: 10.1in (25.7mm)
Video calls
Multi-room audio
Smart home hub
Digital assistant: Amazon Alexa
See also: Portal+ ($349.00), enhanced with larger screen and more loudspeakers


Google Home Hub
Price: $149.99
Release: Oct 22
Unique selling point: Cheapest price point, but at cost of camera. Mic can also be turned off for better privacy
Display: 7in (17.8mm)
Video calls
Multi-room audio
Smart home hub
Digital assistant: Google Assistant
Note: Superior artificial intelligence to Alexa – able to answer more questions correctly
 

 Sources: Business Insider, The Verge, FT Pictures: Amazon, Facebook, Google
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