Nobody wants to get up once they’ve settled down to watch a movie or play some games.
When I say ecosystem-friendly, Im talking about smart TVs that include some form of smart assistant integration.
But even LG and Samsung models include the option to use third-party assistants from Google and Amazon.
Michael Bizzaco / How-To Geek
Ditto for any Amazon and Google TV-powered streaming devices.
Functionality-wise, some smart TVs will require you to execute voice commands through an Alexa or Google Assistant-powered remote.
More advanced sets (like the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED) have hands-free Alexa controls.
Singled
Wont we need our phone to get some tunes playing?
Not if your smart TV is nearby.
Regardless of your smart TVs OS, most web-connected TVs have access to popularmusic-streaming apps.
Justin Duino / How-To Geek
These are services like Spotify, Tidal, YouTube, and even Apple Music.
In essence, you’re free to almost think of your smart TV as a giganticsmart display.
So how can we take things step a further?
Mohd Syis Zulkipli/Shutterstock.com
How about leveraging our smart TVs ability to double as a virtual console?
And the only thing youll need to play the games is a compatible controller.
We can also turn our smart TVs into digital stockpiles of our own downloads.
Sure, youll be able to connect a USB flash drive to most TVs.
But how about uploading that movie, show, picture, or song to aPlex Media ServerorPlex alternative Jellyfininstead?
Ive been using Plex for about six months now, and cant express how much I love the platform.
Amazon
Its easy to work with, and the client app is available on most smart TVs and streaming devices.
And luckily, your web-connected cameras and sensors usually work nicely with your smart TV.
How can a smart TV be used for property surveillance?
Simple: through a handshake with your cameras and sensors.
Many smart security brands design their products to work in unison with smart TVs and streaming devices.
For example, lets take a look at the Ring Doorbell Pro lineup.
Ring engineered thesevideo doorbellsto be directly compatible with Samsung’s smart TVs.
Own a Google TV-powered television or streaming unit?
Youll be able to pull off the same live-monitor trick using Nest video doorbells and security cameras.
The same goes for Roku TVs, streaming devices, and other surveillance gear.
Make Life Easier With Advanced Automations
Have you heard of theAmazon Fire TV Cube?
But one of my favorite features of the third-gen Cube is its HDMI input.
Big whoop, right?
Well, an HDMI input means therehasto be an HDMI output, too.
you might do all kinds of cool things with IFTTT programming.
One go-to example of mine is creating custom automations for your cable box and a web-connected TV backlight kit.
Lets say youre a huge football fan.
With IFTTT, you could program your backlights to pulse red and yellow whenever your team scores a goal.
Geofencing is another great way to take advantage of your smart TV and smart home devices.
This would allow peripherals like smartphones to trigger automations when youre in proximity to your residence or business.
But these phrases are often on my mind for a reason: theyre true.
Hopefully, you now realize that your smart TV can be far more than just a glorified Netflix box.
