Hey everyone, I wanted to share my recent project with you all. I’ve been thinking about creating a smart home display for my living room, and after some research, I decided to go with an iPad Pro (2018 model) mounted on the wall. It’s been a fantastic setup, and I thought I’d walk through my experience in case anyone else is considering something similar.The iPad Pro has a few features that make it ideal for this purpose. First, the Smart Connector on the back allows for easy charging and mounting. Second, the magnets on the back make it super easy to attach and detach from the mount. Third, iOS has a feature called Guided Access that can lock the device into a specific app, which is perfect for creating a dedicated display. Plus, the bezels are all the same width, so it looks great no matter how you rotate it.I chose the KUXIU X33 mount because it’s sleek and allows for both charging and easy adjustment. The process wasn’t too complicated, though there were a few hurdles. For example, removing the arm from the mount took some force, but once I figured out the right way to do it, everything fell into place.Here’s a quick rundown of what I did:1. Mount Preparation: I drilled holes in the wall and mounted the KUXIU X33 bracket. I made sure to center it perfectly to ensure the iPad would look symmetrical.2. Electronics Setup: I installed a 230V to 5V adapter behind the mount. This powers the iPad through the USB-C port, which is hidden neatly behind the wall.3. Guided Access Setup: I enabled Guided Access on the iPad to lock it into my preferred smart home dashboard app. This also allows the display to turn on automatically when motion is detected, thanks to a connected motion sensor.4. Motion Sensor Integration: Using a Zigbee motion sensor, I set up the iPad to wake up and display the dashboard when movement is detected. This was done through Apple HomeKit and some clever automation rules.One thing I was worried about was the iPad’s display timing out. However, with the right settings in Guided Access and the motion sensor, it’s worked perfectly. The display turns on when needed and goes back to sleep when the room is quiet, saving power.I’ve also been experimenting with different apps for the display. So far, a custom dashboard app that pulls data from my smart home ecosystem has been the best fit. It shows everything from temperature and humidity to security status and energy usage.This setup has completely transformed my living room. It’s functional, sleek, and integrates seamlessly with my existing smart home setup. Plus, it’s been a great conversation starter when friends come over.If anyone else is considering a similar project, here are a few tips:- Plan Your Mounting Location Carefully: Measure twice and drill once. Centering the mount is key for a polished look.- Hide Cables Neatly: Use cable management solutions to keep everything tidy behind the wall.- Experiment with Apps: Don’t be afraid to try different dashboard or control apps to find the one that works best for you.Overall, I’m thrilled with how this project turned out. It’s a practical solution that enhances my smart home experience without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for a way to add a dedicated smart display to your home, I highly recommend considering an iPad Pro setup like this one.