Amazon has unveiled its new generation of Echo Show devices—the Echo Show 8 (pictured above) and Echo Show 5 (pictured below).
Echo Show is the fastest-growing family of Echo devices, and the new models feature more powerful cameras for improved video calling, alongside new ways to enhance the Alexa experience.
Customer feedback has shown that Echo Show is being used to stay in touch with family and friends and that’s the main reason more customers are choosing devices with a screen, according to Amazon Devices and Alexa country manager for Australia and New Zealand, Kate Burleigh.
“With our next-generation of Echo Show devices, we’ve put our focus on communications — adding the same powerful 13-megapixel camera and digital pan and zoom capabilities we have in Echo Show 10 to Echo Show 8, and upgrading the camera on Echo Show 5.”
For just $199, the new Echo Show 8 has an 8-inch HD, adaptive colour display, 13-megapixel camera with built-in camera shutter, new octa-core processor and dual stereo speakers. The upgraded camera automatically pans and zooms, while the user is on video calls. Just ask to make video calls to those who have an Echo Show device or the Alexa app, or say, “Alexa, call my family,” to join a group call with multiple people.
Simply visit the on-device video homepage and subscribers can browse selected TV series or movies on streaming services including Prime Video, Netflix, and ABC iView, or ask Alexa to play music from Amazon Music, Apple Music, or Spotify.
For just $119, the Echo Show 5 features a more compact 5.5-inch display and comes in three colours Charcoal, Glacier White, and Deep Sea Blue.
Users can set up a Routine that turns compatible lights on and begins the news from Sky News, or see and singalong to lyrics while listening on Amazon Music. Users can now also see music playlists or station recommendations based on the song playing on Amazon Music or Spotify services.
Echo Show 5 has an upgraded HD camera with built-in camera shutter for a quick video call to Echo devices with a screen or the Alexa app, or to Drop In on the kitchen to see if dinner is ready by asking Alexa.
Echo Show devices are designed with multiple layers of privacy protection, including microphone and camera controls, and the ability to view and delete voice recordings. All new generation devices also come with built-in shutters to cover the camera.
Amazon has focused on minimising the impact of the new Echo Show devices on the environment by using 100% post-consumer recycled fabric.