Did you know your smart TV can do these 5 things?
Have a smart TV lying around or not getting properly used? Here are 5 other things you can do with it that a good amount of people have never heard of.
Remember times when the television was a bulky, black-and-white tiny box? Yeah, I’m that old. Early TV models offered limited functions but have evolved into devices that blend internet connectivity, streaming services, and voice control. Passive viewing devices are now active, multifunctional hubs for entertainment and communication.
As a tech geek and smart TV owner, I realized that I rarely use it in other ways than streaming movies and shows. This 55-inch device can do way more than we think, though. The high-resolution display and high dynamic range can be used in a few different and productive ways.
Proudest achievement? After I ran into neighbors, telling them about my smart TV functions, everyone on my street seems to have found a good use for their idle smart TVs!
It is honestly surprising how many functions you can integrate with your versatile smart TV. It will act almost like a computer or laptop, ready to support your everyday tasks.
No matter the brand or size, check your smart TV for the following 5 lesser-known functions.
1. Charging up your tech peripherals
If you want to put your idle smart TV to good use, take advantage of those extra USB-A and USB-C ports. They are more than able to conduct power to smaller or bigger devices.
Just turn your TV on, grab a couple of things you’ve been meaning to charge for a while and just as many charging cords for them. I can promise that Garmin watch deserves a little love even if you’ve stopped running in the mornings!
Ironically, this one smart TV function doesn’t even utilize the main part of a TV – its huge display. Each TV will vary, but check behind or on the sides of your TV to locate the built-in USB-A and USB-C ports. Mine has three, and so I make good use of them every day, charging my work phone while plugging in my mushroom focus lamp. The possibilities are endless, have you heard?
Another idea that I snatched from my teenage son is utilizing this charging function for gaming peripherals. Some of his are wireless, for instance, the keyboard and mouse, and some just need plugging in to turn them on.
Tip: This can be a great secret function if you’re out and about urgently needing a charging spot. Cafes, restaurants, and other public places will more often than not have a smart TV with available ports.
2. Setting up the mood
Not everyone can grab themselves a ridiculous mushroom focus lamp, so if you’re thinking mood, I got you once again.
What I mean by that though is – digital wellbeing has become a thing and can make us feel better. I personally call it the adult’s pacifier.
Any device screen has a screensaver picture that resembles the most serene waters or cliffy landscapes seen on Earth. You don’t necessarily need to be into that because luckily you can change pictures.
Actually, a lot of smart TVs offer slideshows of lovely different screensaver images that play during device downtime or at the touch of a remote control button. If you’d rather opt for different pictures to set up your living room mood though, there are settings to upload your preferred ones.
I found that this can massively make a difference when it comes to room aesthetic. Combine this with soothing music that matches the pictures, and it’s perfect calm and cozy!
Tip: You can set your TV to go through not only a range of images but also moving patterns and colorful backdrops on a timer. Your mood is your mood.
3. Casting your computer screen
Ever feel like delivering a nice work presentation? Yeah, me neither. But my smart TV could sure help me do it if need be.
More than that, it is convenient for both professional and personal purposes. Now you can enjoy content from Netflix, YouTube, or other platforms on a larger screen and play PC games on a bigger display with enhanced visuals with no additional clutter cables.
If you adjust it to your own needs, this little feature can also do great as a second monitor to expand your workspace or a fun sleepover agenda.
Thankfully, platforms are inter-compatible, making casting accessible for any users of Windows, Microsoft, Mac, and iOS.
Tip: Next time you find yourself in a group setting with others, make sure you pull out this trick and impress with some good old technology.
4. Controlling your smart home appliances
Transform your smart TV into a hub for your smart home functions as well.
Back in the 70s, we had this movie come out, and it portrayed the smart home of the future. The genre was horror, so I was reluctant at first. My family insisted on securing these super cool Apple HomeKit and Philips Hue ecosystems. We’ve never been safer. But I’m still debating whether technology is here to help or if it makes me lazy by shockingly allowing me to turn every single light off with a tap of a phone button.
Tip: If you’re an unsure novice wanting to get started, I would warmly recommend you start with basic Wi-Fi light bulbs. They’re affordable, come with brightness control, and work with Apple Home, Siri, Alexa, and Google. Another great AND necessary upgrade you should go for if you haven’t already is a camera doorbell. You can find these guys at any electronics store, but I can also recommend to you the classic Blink doorbell. It has enhanced security measures compared to other market options.
5. Using it as a digital photo frame
Picture frames have come a long way, haven’t they. Apparently with a smart TV, there is no need to ever buy lots of designated photo frames again.
So, we’ve talked displaying soothing pictures as screensavers and whatnot. But my Apple TV automatically synchronizes with my Apple Photos library and displays family memories and snapshots on screen in a wonderfully curated slideshow. Pretty happy with that – zero work on my side!
Tip: Next time you organize a birthday, anniversary, graduation party, or special event, have your TV do the work and display beautiful picture memories automatically.
Here’s the caveat
TLDR: You can flexibly put your smart TV to good use. You can charge other devices, set up the mood, cast your computer screen, control your smart home appliances, and use it as a digital photo frame.
Smart TVs do offer convenience, entertainment, and connectivity all in one. But they also come with some degree of privacy and security risks.
Use them wisely—regularly update software, manage app permissions, and be careful of what personal data you share. Embrace the benefits, but stay informed and in control.
Have you used any of these smart TV functions? Let us know what you think down below in the comments.
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