Verdict
The all - new Echo Show 8 ( 3rd Gen ) ramp up the smart home skills with the inclusion of Matter , Thread and Zigbee , and also has carrying out and audio boosts over its herald . The display is still a spot flat and there are some UI tweaks want to really make the most of the unexampled computer hardware but , overall , Amazon ’s late mid - sized overbold display is a solid option for Alexa enthusiasts , and it supports Alexa Plus , too .
Pros
Cons
Key Features
Introduction
The Amazon Echo Show 8 ( 3rd Gen ) is the former entrant in the ever - evolving universe of smart speakers with screen . While Google seems to have given up the trace in this family , and Apple is yet to play its hand , Amazon has gone with the formula of more , more , more .
Hot on the heel of the3rd - gen Echo Show 5 , and joining the ranks alongside theShow 10,Show 15and the presently - to - launchEcho Hub , the late and gravid Show 8 picks up from where its predecessor left off , with an 8 - in HD display and a 13MP camera on board .
But it also beefs up the processing and audio top executive , while ramp up the smart family certification too , by integrating Matter and Thread alongside Zigbee , Bluetooth , Wi - Fi , and Amazon Sidewalk
There are also some nifty new inclusions and feature you wo n’t find on any other Echo Show .
Amazon Alexa Plus
At the destruction of February , Amazon announcedAlexa Plus , a Gen AI update for its smart helper , designed to offer smarter reply and a more intelligent way of interacting with it . For example , you ’ll be able to demand Alexa Plus to create a routine , and it will without you having to come to the app .
Alexa Plus is only coming to the in vogue smart displays , including this the Echo Show 8 . As well as the voice improvements , there ’ll be a unexampled interface , which await visually similar to the one on theEcho Hub .
presently , Alexa Plus is only available in the US , but it will be launched in the UK at some pointedness in the future . If you like the idea of the organisation and want smarter reaction , then it makes sense to buy an Echo Show gimmick that will support it , such as this one .
Design and Build
While the 2nd and 3rd - gen Echo Show 8 models divvy up a lot in terms of hardware , the visual renovation is pretty stark .
The new Show 8 takes pattern cues from the latest Show 5 , squeeze a more flowing and curvier form divisor . It ’s not on the button break the mold but the boundary - to - boundary glass front certainly enhances the 8 - column inch display ’s look , albeit with that chunky bezel still on panel .
That display retains its 1280 x 800 HD resolution from the previous role model , so there ’s nothing to get excited about here but the young iteration gives the impression of improved visuals , especially when juxtaposed with the curvier design of the speaker lodging .
The Show 8 comes in charcoal and white , with the option of an additional stand for added tractability .
In term of ascendence , the volume button are put on the rightfulness , the wordless mike button on the left .
There ’s also a physical shutter replacement for the 13MP camera , which now occupies the central spot on the bezel .
Measuring slightly magnanimous than its predecessor at 200 x 139 x 106 mm and weigh just over 1 kg , Amazon ’s vehemence on sustainability match to crafting the Show 8 from 29 % recycled cloth , and 99 % of the packaging consists of wood - fibre - based materials source from responsible forests or recycled source .
Features
Powered by Amazon ’s interpreter assistant , Alexa , the Echo Show 8 is a gem treasure trove of voice - activated capabilities but I wo n’t dig into the specific in this review – ourguide to Amazon Alexagoes into more point on all of that .
Needless to say , as with all of the latest Echo Show devices , the 8 seamlessly incorporate with connected cameras , TV doorbell , and an inviolable multitude of overbold rest home gadget .
While the screen and camera specifications remain unchanged , the 2023 Echo Show 8 has a significant uptick in processing power . This enhancement stem from its octa - marrow SoC , with Amazon ’s AZ2 Neural connection Engine on panel .
The resultant is a 40 % boost in processing power that ’s palpable in its raffish reactivity to sound command and touch interactions . The 2nd - gen Show 8 was a touch sluggish , there ’s none of that lagging on the new entry .
A brand - new feature for the Show range debuts on the 2023 Show 8 : Adaptive Content , which apply the proximity sensors to customize the homescreen based on your emplacement within the room .
For instance , when you ’re across the room , it might expose a propose formula and , as you go about , it unfolds to show more details on the lulu and a prompting of a skill where you could find it .
Furthermore , personalization can be involve to the next level with Visual ID configured through your Amazon news report . With this , the Echo Show 8 make out individuals and displays relevant data . For example , it could unwrap your favorite team ’s modish result when it discern you or leave age - appropriate capacity for your child when they are in proximity .
For users who primarily habituate the Show for displaying photos , the Adaptive Content feature just presents icon for your choose widgets as you approach .
On the Show 8 , widgets do not remain for good on the screen . alternatively , you may select a maximum of four , and icon for your choose widgets appear at the top of the screen when you ’re nearby , and you ’ll take to exploit to access them .
The Show 8 , with Thread and Zigbee radiocommunication , along with Matter controller functionality , is a reasonably comprehensive fresh nursing home hub ( sorry Z - Wave ) .
coif up Matter over Wi - Fi , topic over Thread , and Zigbee bulbs direct with the Show 8 is a breeze , delivering unseamed and speedy local connections with no motivation to inconvenience oneself the swarm at all .
Nevertheless , accessing the smart home visuals requires an extra screen rap , which might be a minor inconvenience , especially for quick smart home plate control action .
For exercise , to bend on or off a Inner Light you ’ll first have to rap that impudent menage widget image to get at your devices , and then tap again to make the switch .
The impertinent home controls on pass are pretty good , though I would have liked to have been able to permanently pin some controls to the homescreen .
Like other late Show good example , the new 8 supports Home Monitoring ’s distant view mode through the Alexa app , transforming the smart video display into a improvised security camera .
Alert presentment pop up on the Show , so anyone in the room is mindful that they are on tv camera and it ’s worth noting that you’re able to not record or store these video recording feed , so it ’s not a trueindoor security camerareplacement .
The camera ’s cardinal placement in the latest Show 8 enhance the video vocation experience . It oblige video call through Alexa Calling and Skype , though Zoom support is notably absent in this model ( Zoom ferment on the 2nd - gen Show 8 , so it ’s an unmated omission ) .
As per the previous - gen Show 8 , there ’s also built - in motorcar - tracking technology , which ensures the camera rapid climb in to follow your movements during calls . This is handy when telecasting calling from the kitchen while cooking , for example .
The camera can also be used as a video - found motion sensing element , triggering Alexa Routines .
Privacy - conscious exploiter will apprize the ability to damp the mike and end the television camera lens , although doing so does affect some performance and features , for obvious reasons .
Sound and video quality
When it come to video timber , the Show 8 ’s display remains unchanged , delivering satisfactory but not exceptional calibre for streaming services like Amazon Prime Video or Netflix .
It should n’t be your go - to main video - watching equipment , but it do well for casual viewing , such as when you ’re engaged in the kitchen or sorting the wash out in the usefulness room .
A native YouTube app stay prominently absent , though Amazon has at least included a crosscut to the entanglement version of YouTube on the Video Home Screen , making approach possible , if somewhat a pain in the bum still .
Audio , on the other hand , has visit pregnant improvements . The Show 8 now has three-fold 2 - inch atomic number 60 stereophonic system speakers paired with a inactive bass radiator .
The newspaper headline feature is the inclusion body of spatial audio processing technology , enhancing the healthy experience , and delivering a broader , more immersive audio output .
Furthermore , elbow room adaption technology fine - tunes audio playback for optimal sound , akin to Sonos TruePlay .
The effect is telling ; while it may not surpass the HomePod or compete with the likes of the Sonos Era 100 , it bid a pretty rich audio quality .
While it may not replace your independent livelihood room or dining room speaker , it ’s got more than enough ability for background like the sleeping accommodation , business office , or kitchen .
As with all Echo speakers you’re able to delight music and podcasts from various stream platforms let in Amazon Music , Apple Music , and Spotify .
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Should you buy it?
Improved audio recording makes this a better music musician , while the addition of Thread makes this a great Matter hub .
If you have the 2d generation product , you may find it does everything you take .
Final Thoughts
The Echo Show 8 ( 3rd Gen ) represent a pretty substantial upgrade , though it is not without pocket-size quibbles that keep it from ne plus ultra . It has all of the hardware to run as an all - in - one smart house control , yet some refinements in the user interface are needed to execute this considerably , and the Echo Hub is currently skilful for smart home exploiter . That could well transfer when Alexa Plus launch and , in the meantime , the Echo Show 8 is a still a great companion on a desktop or in the kitchen .
While the concealment could be crisper , the Adaptive Content feature is a nice add-on . With importantly ameliorate performance and impressive audio quality , the Show 8 also serve as a potent prospect for a main speaker in specific options .
Trusted Score
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FAQs
Yes , it supports Thread and Zigbee devices natively , with integrate Matter support for Thread and Wi - Fi devices .
