Amazon Echo Show
The best smart home ecosystem
Amazon's second-gen Echo Show is about a year old at this point, but it's still a competitive choice among smart displays with 10-inch screens. The main reason: Alexa's ecosystem of third-party partners and services, which is more open and expansive than what you get with Google.
In fact, Google recently ended support for the Works with Nest partner program, which many gadget makers and services providers relied upon to keep their offerings compatible with Google smart homes. Now, as the search giant asks users to migrate their Nest accounts over to a single, unified Google account, those connections are breaking in ways that have left many upset.
For instance, you used to be able to open the Nest app on an Apple TV and stream the feed from your Nest Cams straight to your television. Once you migrate accounts, that app won't work at all. Same goes for partner products like the Haiku smart ceiling fan and the Abode smart security system -- both were Works with Nest partners, but each is now in limbo.
There's no such drama with Alexa (at least not yet). In fact, Amazon has managed to find ways of playing nice with key competitors like Apple, Microsoft and yep, even Google. All of that makes it the better option for anyone planning on building a smart home setup with a voice-activated smart display at the center. You'll have more device options as you expand that setup than you will with Google, especially if you're a fan of connected cameras.
On top of that, the second-gen Echo Show features its own, built-in Zigbee hub, which the Nest Hub Max lacks. That lets it connect directly with Zigbee smart home gadgets like smart bulbs, smart locks and motion sensors with no need for additional hub hardware.
Beyond the smart home strengths, the Echo Show does a decent job with routine smart display functions. It's good for streaming music, with support for services like Tidal and Apple Music that don't work with Google, and, to my ear at least, slightly fuller sound than the Nest Hub Max. It's great for keeping up with the latest headlines or checking a quick sports score or weather forecast.
As for video, the Echo Show uses Skype for video calls and supports streaming from Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. Meanwhile, Google places calls via Google Duo and supports playback from YouTube, HBO Now and CBS All Access (CBS is CNET's parent company, by the way). Each device also works with a number of other video service providers, including names like Dish, so check to see if the stuff you like to watch is watchable on your smart display of choice before you make a purchase.
And no, the Echo Show doesn't include a shutter for the camera, either -- just a digital kill switch. I've included two alternatives with camera-covering shutters that are each worth considering below.
The all-new Echo Show features a new look, a vibrant 10” HD screen, built-in smart home hub and improved speakers. Just ask Alexa to make a video call, or see who’s at the front door.
Echo Show’s new speakers feature dual 2” premium drivers, a passive bass radiator and Dolby processing to deliver expansive stereo sound with deep, powerful lows and crisp highs. Adjust the treble, mid and bass levels, and set up multi-room music to play music across compatible Echo devices throughout your home.
| Size |
246 x 174 x 107 mm |
| Weight |
1755 grams Actual size and weight may vary by manufacturing process |
| Display |
10.1” touchscreen |
| Camera |
5 MP |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity |
Dual-band,
dual-antenna Wi-Fi (MIMO) for faster streaming and fewer dropped
connections than standard Wi-Fi. Supports 802.11a/b/g/n/c Wi-Fi
networks. Does not support connecting to ad-hoc (or peer-to-peer) Wi-Fi
networks. Also includes an 802.15.4 radio for support of smart home
devices. |
| Bluetooth Connectivity |
Advanced Audio
Distribution Profile (A2DP) support for audio streaming from your mobile
device to Echo Show and Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) for
voice control of connected mobile devices, and from Echo Show to a
Bluetooth speaker with a separate Bluetooth antenna. Hands-free voice
control is not supported for Mac OS X devices. |
| Audio |
Dual 2” neodymium stereo drivers & passive bass radiator. |
| System Requirements |
Echo Show comes
ready to connect to your Wi-Fi. The Alexa App is compatible with Fire
OS, Android and iOS devices, and also accessible via your web browser.
Certain skills and services are subject to change, may not be available
in all areas and may require separate subscriptions or other fees. |
| Processor |
Intel Atom x5-Z8350 processor for advanced technology and processing capabilities. |
| Accessibility Features |
On Echo devices
with screens, you can enable Alexa subtitles, magnify the screen, toggle
colour inversion and choose between colour correction options. You can
also enable the VoiceView screen reader to use gestures to navigate
the screen and hear spoken feedback about the items you select. Learn
more about Echo screen accessibility and Alexa accessibility. |
| Warranty and Service |
Amazon Echo Show (2nd Generation) is sold with a limited warranty of one year
provided by the manufacturer. If you are a consumer, the limited
warranty is in addition to your consumer rights and does not jeopardise
these rights in any way. This means you may still have additional rights
at law even after the limited warranty has expired (for further
information on your consumer rights, click here). Use of Amazon Echo Show is subject to the terms found here. |
| Included in the Box |
Echo Show, power adaptor/cable (1.8 m) and Quick Start Guide. |
| Generation |
Echo Show 2nd Generation – |
At this moment in time there isn't a dedicated wall mounting
bracket available. An appropriate size shelf would seriously be the best
option.
