If you have spent more time than ever in front of the TV in recent years, you are no exception: the combination of more hours at home and the renewal of equipment has made Many homes have switched to a Mi Smart TV or another smart TV. The leap not only comes with better panels, but also with complete operating systems that open up a world of possibilities.
And this is where the magic usually begins. Beyond Netflix or Prime Video, a screen connected to Android TV/Google TV, Fire TV, or your brand's system allows control the house, work more comfortably, train, make video calls, play in the cloud, use it as a photo frame And so on. If your TV isn't smart, a Chromecast or Fire TV will update it in two minutes.
Home control and voice assistant from the TV
Your Mi Smart TV can behave like an XXL smart speaker. Thanks to Google Assistant or AlexaYou can ask it to dim the lights, adjust the thermostat, set a reminder, or tell you how your schedule is going without touching your phone. The remote with a microphone and the built-in microphones on some models make these everyday tasks easier.
If you like managing everything with the app, there are solutions designed for tele: Xiaomi Home, SmartThings (Samsung) or Home Center (LG) offer room-adapted interfaces. At LG, for example, you can create “scenarios” on the fly: a Cinema Mode to lower lighting and another “Party Mode” that turns up the music and changes the light to a warmer color.
Although it is missing that Google Home and the Alexa app have an official TV version. On all systems, it's perfectly possible to control most devices compatible with their ecosystems. And if your TV is short on apps, you can always use Chromecast or a Fire TV as a bridge to expand compatibility.
Security also comes into play. Many compatible cameras can be viewed on a large screen, and in the case of the Amazon ecosystem, Ring cameras and doorbells appear on your Fire TV when someone callsIt's super convenient: you can see who's at the door without even having to leave the couch.
More useful little tricks from the voice assistant: kitchen timers while watching a game, check the weather and the traffic conditions before you go out or ask your TV to show you “action movies on all apps” so it can search for you without going through them one by one.
Turn your TV into a photo frame and a visual ambiance.
In addition to movies and series, a Mi Smart TV is ideal for show off your photos and videos in a big wayIf you're using Android TV/Google TV, Google Photos and Cast make it easy: just choose albums and you're good to go. You can also mirror your screen with Miracast or similar technologies if your TV and mobile support it.
On other platforms, the concept is the same: project your memories or create a continuous slideshow while entertaining guests. Some TV models integrate low-power modes or “art mode” so that the screen displays images without increasing energy consumption.
If you are concerned about privacy because a personal photo might slip into the carousel, another option is use images or videos from the Internet to set the mood the living room: fireplaces, rain on the window, snowy Christmas landscapes, or themed backgrounds for Halloween. YouTube is a goldmine for creating atmospheres.
A universal alternative is the USB port. Copy a set of images to a memory stick and use the TV's media player to create your own offline screensaverThis option is independent of the connection and is perfect if you want a background that's always ready, without opening any apps.
Comfortable video calls on a big screen
Making video calls is no longer exclusive to laptops. With integrated webcam or a compatible USB cameraYour TV serves as a meeting device. On some models, you can also use your phone as a camera, mirroring its image on the TV if the system allows it.
Apps like Google Duo/Meet, TrueConf, Skype or Zoom have brought their versions to different TV platforms. In the Apple ecosystem, if you have Apple TV, you can pull FaceTime using the iPhone camera to achieve spectacular framing without extra complex hardware.
Important: Check the quality of your network to avoid latency between video and audio. On weak connections, lag can spoil the experience. Manufacturers are fine-tuning these features version by version and Android 14 for TV gets even better the cameras and peripherals part in compatible.
If you don't want to install anything, another handy solution is mirror screen from your mobile or computer to join your meeting from your browser and see everyone in XXL size. It's less "clean" than the native app, but incredibly practical.
Playing without a console: from cloud gaming to games from the store
If you're attracted to the idea of playing big without buying a console, you have several options today. cloud game allows you to run high-level titles on your TV: NVIDIA GeForce Now works on many Smart TVs; Xbox CloudGaming It is available on Samsung models through the Xbox app; and Amazon Moon expands catalog and devices with its streaming proposal.
What do you need? A good, stable connection and a Bluetooth controller Compatible. In some cases, the TV's own remote will suffice for simple games, but for more serious titles, a dedicated gamepad is better. Keep in mind that, although performance has improved significantly, the composition of your home network affects input lag.
You can also access native games from the system store. Android TV/Google TV has a multitude of casual titles, and for the more "handy" among us, Steam Link It lets you stream games from your PC to your living room. There were proposals like Stadia (RIP), but the current ecosystem is still very much alive and diverse.
It is important to be clear that Not all systems offer the same thingAndroid TV/Google TV and Fire TV (based on AOSP) facilitate development and offer a wide variety of apps; Apple has its own high-quality tvOS, but doesn't license it to other brands; Samsung (Tizen) and LG (webOS) have gained gaming traction with agreements and their own apps, such as the Xbox app on Tizen.
Beyond entertainment: music, work, mirroring, USB and pro settings
Your Mi Smart TV is also a stereo. Install YouTube, Spotify, or Amazon Music and dive into your playlists. If you have a soundbar or a good integrated system, the experience is outstanding; if you prefer privacy, connect Bluetooth headphones to the TV and that's it.
For teleworking or studying, it is a great large-format auxiliary monitorConnect your computer via HDMI and choose whether to mirror your screen or extend it to free up space for spreadsheets, video editing, or designing. With a wireless keyboard and mouse, you'll feel like you have a truly spacious desktop.
La screen mirroring It also delivers on productivity: share PowerPoint or Google Slides presentations at family or work meetings; turn your mobile games into a makeshift "console" by pairing a controller; or extend your desktop to have code on one side and preview on the other.
If you want to go a step further, many TVs allow you to install a Web navigator and access tools like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365. It's not the most fluid option for long sessions, but it works as a backup. For social media or quick recipe and news checks, the TV is surprisingly useful.
El USB port from your TV is another great forgotten one. It has more uses than it seems and isn't limited to powering sticks:
- Play media files from a pendrive or external drive: videos, photos and music without depending on the Internet.
- PVR Recording Live broadcasts on compatible models: Capture that game or show to watch whenever you want.
- Exhibit digital art: Upload high-resolution images and turn your TV into a rotating gallery.
On an audiovisual level, it is worth adjusting the TV. Activate the AI rescaling If your model has it so that HD content looks better on 4K/8K panels; try the Filmmaker Mode to respect the director's intention without artificial smoothing; and in sound, verify that you are sending Dolby Atmos or DTS:X if your bar or AVR supports it.
And what about the platforms and systems? There are notable differences. Tizen (Samsung) and webOS (LG) They have focused on the TV experience with polished interfaces and key apps; Android TV/Google TV offers a huge catalog and flexibility; Xiaomi uses MIUI for TV in certain markets and solutions with Google TV in Europe; and Fire TV Amazon is part of the open source Android with its own store. There are also emerging proposals such as TitanOS, with a strong focus on integrated advertising, something that manufacturers like, although not all users.
In any case, if your TV doesn't have what you need, an HDMI stick can get you out of trouble. For example, Chromecast with Google TV or a Fire TV add extra apps and compatibility. And if you want to watch DTT without an antenna, apps like tivify solve it, along with free FAST services such as Samsung TV Plus or Pluto TV, which offer ad-supported channels at no cost.
In the sports field, in addition to DAZN or Teledeporte, many TVs and apps allow activate alerts so you don't miss matches or key events. It's a way to recapture the "surprise" of live streaming without having to worry about the calendar all day.
For anime lovers, Crunchyroll It's already in many TV stores; if you manage your own library, plex It allows you to set up a server and access your series, movies, photos and music via streaming, in addition to offering a free catalog that continues to grow.
Another way of entertainment is to use the TV as a computer with limitationsInstall a browser, access cloud-based office software, or learn with YouTube tutorials. Don't expect the fluidity of a PC, but it's a great backup. Recommendation: Use a Bluetooth keyboard/mouse to avoid typing difficulties.
We do not forget the user profiles on many TV platforms: they allow you to separate recommendations for adults and children, control restrictions, and keep your lists safe. And, like any "smart" system, the TV is gaining features with updates, a constantly evolving intelligence which extends its actual useful life.
Finally, a note about sources and legalities. In the app store, you'll find legal IPTV and official platforms for watching channels and content on demand. If you come across "illegal" lists, remember that It is advisable to bet on legitimate options that take care of quality and avoid problems.
With a combination of voice assistants, well-chosen apps, some setup, and the features your Mi Smart TV already has, your TV becomes the true center of your home: Home automation, video calls, music, gaming, work, photo frames and more, all brought together on the biggest screen in your home.
