Amazon's Echo Show 8 will appeal to those looking for a smart device that does more than just display music. This is also a great option for those who can live with the mediocre display and auto-frame video camera.
The Echo Show 8's 8-inch touch screen is not the best in terms of resolution but it is sharp and bright enough for most media. The 13-megapixel camera has a wide field view and can frame your subject automatically. It also tracks you to ensure that you are in the frame during video calls.
With Alexa on board, it's easy to control your music and entertainment with just the voice commands you give it. Amazon Prime Video offers TV shows and movies. You can also ask Alexa to play music from Amazon Music or Spotify, JioSaavn or Apple Music.
As with most Echo devices, you can add widgets to the home screen that will provide a personal touch to your experience. These include weather, calendars as well as fun sticky notes to leave reminders. All of these are easy to add with a single command. The widgets don't have as many customization options as other Echo devices. But they do allow you to customize the experience of your smart home.
There's a physical shutter that you can slide shut if you're concerned about privacy, and you have the option to turn off voice activation. It's also a good idea to use the microphone mute button, which is located on the right side of the device, and to mute the camera when you're not using it.
You can control the device using your Android or iOS smartphone, Amazon App, or another Bluetooth-enabled phone. You can pair an Echo Show and compatible speakers together to create a stereo system and get extra bass and high-end.
It is also possible to use an Amazon Echo Show with devices that allow Alexa-enabled voice calling. So you can chat in your livingroom with friends and relatives. This feature is particularly useful for video calls with remote coworkers or other friends who don't own a Show.
Sound Quality
The echo show 8 has a good sound, but at low volumes it is a little bass-heavy. However, this can be easily overcome by playing your favorite music at a higher volume, or by adjusting the volume level on the Alexa app on your smartphone.
The Echo Show 8 does not come with a 3.5-millimeter audio auxiliary connector for external speakers. It would have been much more flexible if it had a 3.5-millimeter auxiliary port.
As the echo show is an Amazon product it's important to note that you will need an Amazon Account in order for it to work. Sign up for an Amazon account using the Alexa App on your iPhone or Android.