Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) Review | Smart Display & Alexa Hub
In-depth review of the Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen). Learn about its features, performance, and whether it’s right for you. Alexa, smart home control, HD display, & more.
Introduction
The Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) has rapidly become a cornerstone device for countless homes, seamlessly blending the power of Alexa with a vibrant display and enhanced video calling capabilities. Beyond a simple smart speaker, it acts as a central hub for your smart home, a convenient entertainment portal, and a surprisingly useful productivity tool – all while addressing a common frustration: the limited utility of many early smart displays. This generation focuses on improving video call clarity and functionality while maintaining the core Alexa experience.
Overview
The Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) is a smart display designed to be both informative and entertaining. It features an 8-inch HD touchscreen, stereo speakers, and a 13MP camera with auto-framing – a significant upgrade for video conferencing. Its design is clean and understated, available in Glacier White or Charcoal, allowing it to integrate seamlessly into any room. Targeted towards families, remote workers, and smart home enthusiasts, the Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) provides a user-friendly interface for accessing information, managing tasks, and connecting with loved ones. It’s a potent combination of functionality and style, making it ideal for kitchens, bedrooms, or living rooms.
Features
Adaptive Brightness & Color: The Echo Show 8’s adaptive display automatically adjusts brightness and color temperature based on ambient light conditions, ensuring optimal viewing comfort day or night. This feature reduces eye strain and enhances the visual experience whether you’re checking the weather or streaming a movie. This significantly improves usability compared to displays with static brightness settings.
13MP Camera with Auto-Framing: The upgraded 13MP camera with auto-framing is a game-changer for video calls. The camera intelligently adjusts to keep you centered in the frame, even if you move around, eliminating the need for awkward positioning and ensuring you’re always visible. This technology improves the quality and convenience of video conferencing, making it perfect for family calls or work meetings.
Hands-Free Cooking & Entertainment: Follow along with hands-free recipes, step-by-step, and easily access entertainment like music and shows using only your voice. The Echo Show 8 streamlines kitchen tasks and makes entertainment readily accessible, minimizing interruptions and making cooking or relaxing a more enjoyable experience. Integration with services like Prime Video, Netflix, Apple Music, and Spotify enhances the entertainment possibilities.
Smart Home Control Interface: Effortlessly manage your smart home devices directly from the touchscreen display or through voice commands. Control compatible lights, cameras, and thermostats with ease, creating a truly connected and automated home environment. The intuitive interface simplifies smart home management, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced users.
Benefits
Stay Connected with Loved Ones: The high-resolution camera and auto-framing feature make video calls more engaging and convenient, strengthening connections with family and friends, especially those who live far away.
Simplified Smart Home Management: Controlling your lights, locks, and thermostats through the touchscreen or your voice allows for a streamlined and efficient home environment. This benefit saves time and increases convenience.
Enhanced Entertainment Experience: Stream your favorite shows, movies, and music with crisp audio and vibrant visuals, transforming the Echo Show 8 into a versatile entertainment hub. This is a significant upgrade from basic smart speakers.
Stay Organized with Reminders & Calendars: Glance at your daily schedule, check reminders, and manage to-do lists directly from the display, reducing the risk of missed appointments or forgotten tasks. This promotes productivity and reduces stress.
Hands-Free Convenience for Cooking: Following recipes hands-free keeps your hands clean and your focus on the cooking process. The visual cues and step-by-step instructions make even complex recipes more approachable.
Usages
Perfect for Remote Work: The improved camera and clear display make the Echo Show 8 a great option for video conferencing and virtual meetings. Auto-framing ensures you’re always visible and presentable.
Ideal for Smart Home Enthusiasts: Centralize your smart home controls and monitor your security devices with ease, creating a truly connected and automated living space.
Great for Families: Stay connected with loved ones through video calls, share photos, and enjoy family entertainment together, fostering closer relationships.
Useful for Kitchen Assistance: Follow recipes, set timers, and check the weather while cooking, making meal preparation more efficient and enjoyable.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent video call quality with auto-framing
- Intuitive touchscreen interface
- Seamless integration with Alexa and smart home devices
- Adaptive brightness and color for comfortable viewing
- Good sound quality for its size
Cons
- Relies on continuous power connection
- Limited portability
- Amazon’s privacy policies may concern some users
- Sound can be lacking for loud environments
- Screen resolution, while HD, is not 4K
FAQs
How easy is the Echo Show 8 to set up?: The setup process is straightforward. Simply plug it in, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on-screen instructions. The Alexa app on your smartphone guides you through the process.
Is the camera secure?: Amazon prioritizes privacy. The device includes a physical camera shutter for added security and a microphone off button. You can review and control your voice recordings in your Alexa privacy settings.
How long does the battery last?: The Echo Show 8 is designed to be plugged in continuously. It doesn’t have a large internal battery for portable use.
What streaming services are supported?: It supports popular services like Prime Video, Netflix, Spotify, and Apple Music, among others. Subscriptions may be required to access certain content.
Can I use it as a digital photo frame?: Yes, you can display your Amazon Photos albums on the home screen, turning it into a digital photo frame. The adaptive color technology ensures your photos look great in any light.
Product Specifications
| Dimensions | 6.5” x 5.2” x 5.0” |
| Weight | 22.2 ounces |
| Screen Size | 8-inch HD |
| Resolution | 1280 x 2400 |
| Camera Resolution | 13MP |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Speaker Power | 2.0W x 4 |
| Processor | Quad-Core Processor |
| Warranty | 1 Year Limited Warranty |
| Included Accessories | Power Adapter |
Ratings
| Display Quality | 4.6 |
| Camera Performance | 4.4 |
| Sound Quality | 4.2 |
| Smart Home Integration | 4.8 |
| Usability | 4.7 |
Recommendation
The Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) is an excellent choice for families looking to stay connected, remote workers needing a reliable video conferencing device, and smart home enthusiasts seeking a central control hub. Its ease of use, combined with its enhanced camera and display, makes it a standout device in the smart display market. Those seeking a portable device or a 4K resolution display might consider alternative options, but for most users, the Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) delivers exceptional value and functionality.
Conclusion
The Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) represents a significant upgrade over previous models, providing a user-friendly and versatile smart display experience. Its improved camera, adaptive display, and seamless integration with Alexa solidify its position as a must-have device for modern homes. While the reliance on a power connection and limitations in resolution are minor drawbacks, the overall benefits outweigh the limitations, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking to enhance their smart home and stay connected with loved ones.
