Whether you’re after a clever alarm clock, a hands-free helper in the kitchen or a convenient way to video call friends and family, smart displays are increasingly replacing phones and tablets as go-to devices for specific tasks within our homes. But the latest models from both Amazon and Google add surprising new features that have the potential to boost their utility; and their creepiness factor.

The new third-generation Echo Show 10 is in some ways similar to its predecessors; it’s a $400 10-inch touchscreen equipped with speakers, microphones and a camera, allowing you to summon Alexa to answer questions, play music, operate smart home gear, facilitate video calls and more.

But while previous Amazon smart displays really needed to sit against a wall or in a corner so you could always see the front of them, the new Show 10 is designed to be placed on kitchen islands or in the middle of the room, with a motorised swivel that can rotate the screen almost 360 degrees.

Say “Alexa” and the unit will turn to point the screen directly at you, wherever you are in the room. While listening to music, watching a video or conducting a video call, the device will track your face and follow you, spinning so you can always see the screen and callers can always see you, even as you walk around.

I had a bit of trouble setting the Show 10 up, as it repeatedly complained about being on an uneven surface or bumping into things, so unless you have a clear and very stable spot for it this one might not be for you. And to be honest, outside of the very specific scenario of being on an island in the middle of a large room or kitchen, the utility of having the screen always in view is mostly offset by how disconcerting it is.

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The device has a physical lens cover for privacy, and you can disable its ability to swivel with your voice, in the menus or via the Alexa app. But those who worry smart displays are nothing short of connected surveillance agents for tech giants — no matter whether those fears are founded or not — are unlikely to be assuaged. The ability to access the video feed of the display remotely and operate the swivel to look around, which is ostensibly a home security feature, also probably won’t be a favourite of those concerned their devices could be manipulated by outside groups or domestic abusers.

Meanwhile Google’s new second generation Nest Hub is outwardly much less assuming. The $150 device has no cameras at all, and a small 7-inch screen, making it ideal as a smart clock radio or picture frame. Like Google’s other hubs, it’s fine for talking to the Assistant, managing your smart home, watching videos, listening to music and displaying photos, but the lack of cameras make video calls a one-way affair.

Still, the absence of a camera doesn’t mean the new Nest Hub can’t see you; a miniature radar hidden in the frame detects movements and can sense your presence nearby. If you do put the Hub on your bedside table, it can use this sensor along with microphones to track your sleep as part of your health monitoring.