13 Surprising Things Your Smart TV Can Do Without an App

6. Picture-in-Picture and Multi-Window Functionality

Smart TVs feature advanced built-in picture-in-picture (PiP) and multi-window capabilities that enable simultaneous viewing of multiple content sources without requiring external apps or devices. This native functionality allows users to watch television broadcasts while monitoring connected devices, browse the internet while keeping an eye on live TV, or display multiple HDMI inputs simultaneously on the same screen. The built-in PiP system typically supports customizable window sizes, positioning options, and seamless switching between primary and secondary content sources with simple remote control commands. Advanced multi-window features often include split-screen modes that divide the display into equal sections, overlay windows that can be moved and resized dynamically, and transparency controls that allow background content to remain partially visible. Many smart TVs also support audio switching between PiP sources, enabling users to listen to their preferred content while visually monitoring secondary sources. This functionality proves particularly valuable for sports enthusiasts who want to follow multiple games simultaneously, news watchers who prefer to monitor different channels, or productivity users who need to reference multiple information sources. The built-in nature ensures optimal performance without the lag or compatibility issues that might affect app-based solutions, while also providing seamless integration with all connected devices and input sources, creating a truly multitasking entertainment environment that maximizes the large screen real estate.