Your living room is more cluttered than it needs to be. Smart TVs are now so advanced that with a modern one, there are entire classes of gadgets you no longer need.
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Streaming Devices
If you have a smart TV, chances are it comes with streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and YouTube. These apps offer direct access to the most popular streaming services with no extra hardware required.
You might wonder whether streaming sticks like Roku or Fire TV are better than smart TVs. In the past, dedicated boxes often won out. But that’s no longer the case. Today’s smart TVs have faster processors, smoother navigation, and regular software updates that keep them running efficiently.
Most Samsung QLED TVs, for instance, allow you to stream in 4K HDR without needing an external streaming device like a Fire Stick or Chromecast. Certain budget models from Hisense offer similar capabilities, so you don’t even need a high-end model to render your streaming device redundant.
4
Digital Photo Frames
Digital photo frames like Frameo are a fun way to display your favorite memories without printing out a stack of photos. But if you’ve got a smart TV, you already have a much bigger, better version in your living room.
Most smart TVs have built-in features that let you showcase photos directly from your phone or cloud storage. For example, Samsung’s Ambient Mode allows you to display pictures from your phone on your TV, or even mimic the look of your wall to make the screen disappear when not in use.
For another option, Google TV and Android TV systems easily integrate with Google Photos, allowing you to set albums as slideshows or even display your latest vacation pictures automatically.
3
Gaming Consoles (for Casual Gamers)
For casual gamers, your smart TV can easily replace the need for a dedicated gaming console. Many smart TVs come with (or offer for download) casual titles like trivia, puzzle, or card games that you can jump into without any extra hardware. But the real game-changer (pun intended) is the integration of cloud gaming services.
Platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, and Amazon Luna are available on select smart TVs, letting you stream games directly from the cloud. All you need is a reliable internet connection and a Bluetooth controller, and you’re set to play titles like Halo Infinite or Fortnite without a console in sight.
Of course, if you’re a hardcore gamer who needs the absolute best graphics, low input lag, and exclusive titles, a dedicated console like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X should probably still be your go-to. But for casual players who just want to unwind with a quick game after work, your smart TV could be all you need.
2
Soundbars
It might sound surprising, but your smart TV might be good enough that you don’t need a separate soundbar. While dedicated soundbars are still the top choice for audiophiles seeking immersive surround sound, many modern smart TVs have built-in speakers that deliver surprisingly robust audio quality.
High-end smart TVs from Sony, Samsung, and LG often feature advanced speaker systems with technologies like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which create a three-dimensional soundscape right out of the box.
Additionally, smart TVs often include features like “Audio Mode” presets, which allow you to tailor the sound profile to suit different types of content. Using the right audio mode for what you’re watching can help avoid the need for a soundbar.
1
Blu-Ray Players
Streaming services have made Blu-ray players less of a necessity. Most major streaming platforms offer (depending on your plan) high-definition, 4K, and even HDR content if you know where to look. Thanks to technologies like Dolby Vision and HDR10+, streaming can deliver picture quality that rivals, or at least comes close to, what you’d get from a Blu-ray disc.
That said, if you own a collection of Blu-ray discs, many contemporary smart TVs are compatible with external USB drives or networked storage solutions. You can rip your discs and store them digitally, allowing you to stream them directly to your TV.
Your smart TV is capable of replacing multiple gadgets and simplifying your entertainment setup. From streaming devices and digital photo frames to gaming consoles and soundbars, it consolidates functions that once required separate devices.
While specialized gadgets still have their place for enthusiasts, you can save money, reduce clutter, and enjoy a seamless experience by maximizing your smart TV’s potential.
