Echo Show 8 (2023) Review: Smart Display & Emergency Assist
Comprehensive review of the Echo Show 8 (2023), including features, benefits, Alexa Emergency Assist, smart home integration & more. Is it right for you?
Introduction
The Echo Show 8 has always been a compelling smart display, offering a balance of size, functionality, and price. But the 2023 release isn’t just an incremental upgrade; it introduces a crucial new dimension – the Alexa Emergency Assist subscription. This isn’t just about playing music or setting timers; it’s about providing a potential lifeline in moments of crisis, alongside a beautifully integrated smart home experience. For families, seniors, or anyone seeking enhanced peace of mind, the Echo Show 8 (2023) offers a genuinely valuable proposition beyond typical smart speaker capabilities.
Overview
The Echo Show 8 (2023) is Amazon’s mid-sized smart display, designed to be a central hub for your home’s information and entertainment. Finished in a subtle Glacier White, its 8-inch HD touchscreen delivers vibrant visuals and clear audio, making it perfect for video calls, streaming music, or displaying photos. Powered by Amazon’s voice assistant, Alexa, it offers seamless smart home control and a host of other functionalities. This iteration emphasizes accessibility and security, particularly with the inclusion of the new Alexa Emergency Assist service, aimed at simplifying emergency response. It’s ideal for users who want a user-friendly smart display that blends entertainment, communication, and a layer of safety.
Features
Enhanced Camera & Display: Crisp Video and Visuals: The upgraded 13MP camera delivers significantly sharper video calls, and the adaptive display automatically adjusts brightness and color temperature for optimal viewing in any lighting condition. This enhances user experience by making video calls more personal and enjoyable, and ensures readability even in bright sunlight. This provides a more premium visual experience and a better connection with loved ones.
Smart Home Hub: Zigbee, Matter, and Thread Compatibility: No more juggling multiple hubs! The Echo Show 8 now directly supports Zigbee, Matter, and Thread connectivity. This feature simplifies smart home setup and control, allowing you to pair and manage a wide range of compatible devices—lights, locks, sensors—directly through the display or your voice. The advantage is eliminating the need for a separate hub, reducing clutter, and simplifying device management. The benefit is a truly interconnected and automated home ecosystem.
Alexa Emergency Assist: Peace of Mind at Your Voice: The standout feature is the Alexa Emergency Assist subscription. Simply say, “Alexa, call for help,” and you’ll be connected to a trained professional who can dispatch emergency services. Features include automatic notification of your contacts and sharing of vital information. The advantage here is rapid response in critical situations. This provides an unparalleled level of safety and reassurance, especially for vulnerable individuals or those living alone.
Sustainable Design: Eco-Conscious Construction: Amazon has prioritized sustainability in the Echo Show 8’s design. Built with 29% recycled materials and utilizing packaging made from responsibly sourced wood fiber, this device reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility. This advantage appeals to eco-conscious consumers who want to minimize their environmental footprint. The benefit is a purchase you can feel good about knowing it aligns with sustainable practices.
Spatial Audio for Immersive Sound: The 2023 Echo Show 8 boasts enhanced spatial audio capabilities. This isn’t just stereo sound; it creates a wider, more realistic soundscape, making music, podcasts, and even video calls feel more immersive. This feature advantages users by providing a richer audio experience for entertainment and improved clarity during communication. The benefit is a more enjoyable listening experience without needing external speakers.
Benefits
Simplified Smart Home Management: Control Everything from One Place: With Zigbee, Matter, and Thread compatibility, the Echo Show 8 becomes the central nervous system for your smart home. Control lights, locks, and more – all from a single, intuitive interface.
Improved Video Communication: Crystal-Clear Calls with Loved Ones: The enhanced camera and microphone deliver significantly improved video call quality, allowing for more natural and engaging conversations.
Peace of Mind: Knowing Help is Always Available: The Alexa Emergency Assist subscription offers a tangible sense of security, knowing that help is just a voice command away, whether you’re home or away.
Immersive Entertainment: Enhanced Audio and Visuals: Spatial audio and the adaptive display create a richer and more enjoyable entertainment experience, perfect for streaming music, watching videos, or displaying photos.
Rapid Emergency Response: Lifesaving Assistance: The Alexa Emergency Assist service provides a crucial safety net. In an emergency, a simple voice command connects you to trained professionals who can dispatch help, potentially saving valuable time and improving outcomes.
Usages
Ideal for Smart Home Enthusiasts: With its broad compatibility with various smart home protocols, this Echo Show 8 serves as an excellent hub for managing and controlling a connected home environment.
Perfect for Seniors & Vulnerable Individuals: The Alexa Emergency Assist service makes the Echo Show 8 an invaluable device for seniors or individuals living alone, providing a simple and reliable way to access emergency assistance.
Great for Family Communication & Video Calls: The improved camera and microphone quality make video calls with family and friends more engaging and enjoyable.
Useful for Kitchen Command Center: Display recipes, set timers, and manage shopping lists—the Echo Show 8 becomes an indispensable assistant in the kitchen.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Alexa Emergency Assist provides critical safety support
- Simplified smart home management with Zigbee, Matter, and Thread
- Improved camera and display for enhanced video calls
- Immersive spatial audio for richer entertainment
- Sustainable design with recycled materials
Cons
- Alexa Emergency Assist requires a recurring subscription
- Limited third-party app support compared to tablets
- Reliance on internet connectivity for full functionality
- Camera shutter offers physical but not full privacy.
- Display resolution could be higher for a premium experience.
FAQs
What smart home devices are compatible with the Echo Show 8?: The Echo Show 8 supports Zigbee, Matter, and Thread, making it compatible with a wide range of smart home devices, including lights, locks, sensors, and more.
What is the subscription cost for Alexa Emergency Assist?: The Alexa Emergency Assist service is a monthly auto-renewal subscription and pricing is listed on the product page.
Is the Echo Show 8 easy to set up?: Yes! The Echo Show 8 is designed for ease of use. The setup process is guided by Alexa and can be completed in minutes.
What is Alexa Emergency Assist and how does it work?: Alexa Emergency Assist is a subscription service that connects you with trained professionals who can dispatch emergency services when you need help. Simply say, ‘Alexa, call for help’ to initiate the process.
How does Amazon protect my privacy with the Echo Show 8?: Amazon prioritizes privacy. The Echo Show 8 includes a physical camera shutter and a microphone off button for added control. Amazon does not sell your personal information to others.
Product Specifications
| Chipset | Qualcomm |
| Warranty | 1 Year Limited Warranty |
| Materials | Recycled Materials |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Matter, Thread |
| Dimensions | 6.9″ x 4.9″ x 3.4″ |
| Included Accessories | Power Adapter |
| Camera | 13 MP |
| Audio | Spatial Audio |
| Weight | 2 lbs |
| Display | 8″ HD Touchscreen |
Ratings
| Design | 4.2 |
| Overall | 4.3 |
| Smart Home Integration | 4.4 |
| Value | 4.1 |
| Sound Quality | 4.6 |
Recommendation
The Echo Show 8 (2023) is a must-have for families and individuals seeking a versatile smart display with a vital safety net. The Alexa Emergency Assist service elevates it above standard smart speakers, providing peace of mind and a sense of security. While the subscription cost is a consideration, the value provided by the emergency service, combined with seamless smart home integration and improved audio-visual performance, makes it a worthwhile investment.
For smart home enthusiasts looking to simplify their connected device management, the Echo Show 8’s compatibility with Zigbee, Matter, and Thread offers a significant advantage. Its user-friendly interface and enhanced features make it ideal for both seasoned smart home users and those just starting their smart home journey. It’s a well-rounded device that delivers on both entertainment and functionality.
Conclusion
The Echo Show 8 (2023) represents a significant step forward in the smart display category. Beyond its excellent entertainment capabilities and user-friendly design, the Alexa Emergency Assist subscription adds a critical layer of safety and security. While the subscription cost is a factor, the overall value—combining convenience, entertainment, and peace of mind—makes it a compelling choice for a wide range of users. It’s a smart, secure, and surprisingly thoughtful addition to any home.
Ultimately, the Echo Show 8 (2023) is more than just a gadget; it’s a smart home hub that prioritizes safety and simplicity. Its enhanced features, combined with Amazon’s commitment to sustainability, make it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to enhance their home experience and add a crucial layer of protection for themselves or their loved ones.
