Check Out These Awesome Features Available on Today’s Smart TVs
You’d heard that smart TVs are all the rage, so you decided to purchase one. Well, now that you have your fancy TV you’re wondering just what you can use it for—besides watching network TV, of course. You may be surprised to learn that a smart TV, or TV that is connected to the internet, can quite possibly make your life more interesting in a number of ways. Indeed, your smart TV can be a window to the world.
Surf the Internet
Because your TV is connected to the internet you can do more than just watch movies. You can actually surf the web. Visit any site that you normally would on a computer. In fact, many popular websites have developed special site layouts for smart TVs.
No Browser? No Problem
It should be noted that not every smart TV comes with a web browser installed but some do. Even if your TV doesn’t have a web browser there are still ways to access the internet on your TV. Perhaps the easiest way is to simply connect your computer via HDMI and use your television as a monitor. An advantage to this is that you have a keyboard right at your fingertips.
Gaming and Other Entertainment
You may not be aware that your smart TV isn’t limited to the preinstalled apps that it comes with. With an additional media streaming device, such as the Amazon Fire TV Stick, and the right applications, literally hundreds of games and sports entertainment options are at your fingertips.
Listen to Your Favorite Music
Another thing that your TV gives you the ability to do is stream music. This becomes especially impressive when there’s a sound system connected to your TV. Apps such as Spotify and others allow you to download them and enjoy thousands of titles from your favorite artists. YouTube Music is one of the platforms that has begun tailoring its interface to smart TV owners.
Social Media Comes Alive
If you’ve been impressed by how television programs and movies take on a whole new life due to your TV’s large screen and high resolution, you’ll also be impressed with how social media sites such and Facebook and Instagram come to life. View video chats with friends and family on the big screen for a more immersive experience. Other apps that may be fun to experience through a TV screen are:
- Skype
- Zoom
Voice Controls
Although not all smart TVs have this feature, some enable users to access content simply by speaking commands. An advantage to this is that you don’t have to bother with a clumsy remote, a device that many have a love-hate relationship with. Just press the “mic” button on your remote and tell your TV what you want it to do, whether that be opening up Netflix or increasing the volume.
Motion Control
Motion control is another feature that your smart TV may have, particularly if it’s a newer model. With motion control, you simply use your hand to tell your smart TV what to do. For example, let’s say you want to select a certain movie to watch. Your hand would actually function as a cursor allowing you to open an app, browse movies, and select.
Final Takeaways
Every feature discussed is available on smart TVs today, but the way your TV functions may be different. This is why it’s important to do research before purchasing a smart TV to make sure all the functions you want are available.
Although a smart TV is great for watching movies and television programs, it can be used for a lot more than that. With today’s smart TVs you can listen to music, surf the internet, and even connect with friends and family. There are many things that your smart TV can do alone and with the help of other devices. It’s just a matter of taking the time to learn about them.