The Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2023) has new features that make it a must-have for any smart home setup. With an 8″ HD touchscreen and spatial audio, it offers an engaging entertainment experience.
This device also includes a smart home hub that connects with Zigbee, Matter, and Thread devices, allowing you to control your home easily. Whether streaming music or making video calls, the Echo Show 8 delivers high-quality sound and clear visuals.
I use the Echo Show 8 more than a dozen times a day. The new home networking features are handy, even though I don’t use them all yet. The screen size is perfect for my desk and nightstand, and the sound quality is noticeably better.
The Alexa voice is more lifelike than that of older models, and the camera position is now centered, making video calls more natural. The Echo Show 8 is a great addition to my smart home devices.
Immersive Entertainment
The Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2023 release) offers a great entertainment experience with its 8″ HD touchscreen and spatial audio. With the high-quality display and sound that fills the room, watching your favorite shows on Prime Video, Netflix, or Fire TV Channels feels engaging. You can also ask Alexa to play music from Amazon Music, Apple Music, or Spotify, making it a versatile device for all your entertainment needs.
Smart Home Hub
The Echo Show 8’s built-in smart home hub simplifies controlling your smart devices. It works with Zigbee, Matter, and Thread, so you don’t need a separate hub. You can manage cameras, lights, and more through the display or with your voice. Plus, it supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections, making integrating into your smart home setup easy.
Enhanced Video Calling
Video calling is a breeze with the Echo Show 8. Its 13 MP camera provides clear and crisp video quality, and the auto-framing feature keeps you centered during calls. With noise reduction technology, your conversations are more natural and less interrupted by background sounds. You can even use the new Top Connections widget to call with one tap.
Digital Photo Frame
Turn your Echo Show 8 into a digital photo frame with Amazon Photos. The adaptive color feature ensures your photos look great in any light, and you can invite family and friends to share their photos directly to your device. It’s a wonderful way to keep your favorite memories on display and share new ones with loved ones.
Adaptive Content
The Echo Show 8 features Adaptive Content that lets you easily view your calendar or reminders from a distance. When you move closer, you’ll see more detailed information. The home screen also has shortcut icons that make it simple to access your most-used widgets with a tap, keeping you organized and on top of your day.
Sustainability
Designed with the environment in mind, the Echo Show 8 is made from 29% recycled materials. Additionally, 99% of its packaging is made from wood fiber-based materials sourced from responsibly managed forests or recycled sources. It’s a product that offers great features and contributes to sustainability.
Privacy Controls
Privacy is a priority with the Echo Show 8. It includes multiple layers of privacy controls, such as the ability to mute the microphones using the Alexa app. Amazon emphasizes that they are not in the business of selling your personal information, so you can use your device with peace of mind.
Convenient Size
The Echo Show 8 is the perfect size, fitting well on any desk or nightstand without taking up too much space. Its 8-inch screen is large enough to see clearly but compact enough to blend into your home decor. This makes it an ideal choice for various home rooms, whether the kitchen, living room, or bedroom.
Enhanced Audio Experience
The Echo Show 8 offers an enhanced audio experience with improved sound quality. The spatial audio feature provides a more immersive and engaging sound, making it great for listening to music, podcasts, or watching videos. You can connect it to a soundbar or Bluetooth speaker for an even better audio experience.
User-Friendly Interface
The Echo Show 8’s interface is designed to be user-friendly and easy to navigate. Accessing your favorite apps and features is straightforward, with shortcut icons and a responsive touchscreen. The visual interface complements Alexa’s voice commands, providing a seamless user experience for daily tasks and entertainment.
Pros:
- The 8″ HD touchscreen and spatial audio provide an engaging entertainment experience.
- Built-in smart home hub makes it easy to control compatible devices without extra equipment.
- Improved video call quality with a 13 MP centered camera and noise reduction.
Cons:
- No AMOLED screen, which may affect display quality for some users.
- Sound quality, while improved, still doesn’t match standalone soundbars.
- It requires subscriptions to some streaming services like Prime Video and Netflix.
Conclusion
Overall, the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) combines improved audio, a versatile smart home hub, and a clear display, making it a valuable addition to any home.
Its user-friendly design and enhanced features make everyday tasks simpler and more enjoyable. If you want to upgrade your smart home experience, the Echo Show 8 is worth considering.
Questions & Answers:
Question: Can I use the Echo Show 8 to control my smart home devices?
Answer: Yes, you can control devices compatible with Zigbee, Matter, and Thread without needing a separate hub. You can manage cameras, lights, and more using the display or voice.
Question: Is the Echo Show 8 suitable for video calls?
Answer: Absolutely; it features a 13 MP camera with auto-framing and noise reduction, making video calls clearer and more natural.
Question: Does the Echo Show 8 work with streaming services?
Answer: Yes, it supports streaming from Prime Video, Netflix, Fire TV Channels, and more. Note that some services may require a subscription.
