5 Things I Love About Amazon’s New Echo Shows — and 3 Things I Don’t

Amazon has continually pushed the envelope with its smart home devices, and the new generation of Echo Shows is no exception. These devices combine the convenience of voice-activated AI with a vibrant display, making them not just assistants but also central hubs for our daily lives. Here are five things I love about the new Echo Shows, along with three aspects that leave me wanting more.

5 Things I Love About Amazon’s New Echo Shows

1. Enhanced Visual Display

The new Echo Shows come equipped with improved screens that offer sharper images and vibrant colors. Whether you’re checking the weather, looking at your calendar, or following a recipe, the visual experience is significantly enhanced. The larger screens (available in several sizes) make it easier to engage with content, whether it’s watching videos, displaying photo slideshows, or interacting with apps.

2. Improved Voice Recognition

With an upgraded microphone array and advanced noise-cancellation technology, the Echo Shows are better than ever at hearing your commands, even in noisier environments. This improvement means fewer misunderstandings, leading to a smoother interaction with Alexa. Whether you’re cooking in the kitchen or relaxing in the living room, you can be confident that your Echo Show will respond accurately.

3. Smart Home Control Hub

Amazon continues to expand its ecosystem, and the new Echo Shows serve as an exceptional control hub for all compatible smart home devices. With the ability to manage lights, thermostats, security cameras, and more directly from your Echo Show, it becomes a one-stop shop for your smart home needs. The straightforward interface makes it easy to adjust settings, check camera feeds, or even unlock your door, all from one device.

4. Video Calling and Communication Features

With upgraded video calling capabilities, the new Echo Shows facilitate effortless connectivity with friends and family. The new “Cinemagic” feature adds fun effects to video calls, making them more interactive and enjoyable. Additionally, the “Drop In” feature allows for instant connection—perfect for checking in on loved ones or coordinating schedules without the fuss of phone calls.

5. Enhanced Privacy Controls

Amazon has prioritized user privacy with the new Echo Shows by incorporating features such as a physical camera cover and a dedicated button to disable the microphone and camera instantly. These measures provide peace of mind for those concerned about privacy, ensuring that you have control over when your devices are listening or watching.

3 Things I Don’t Love About Amazon’s New Echo Shows

1. Price Point

While the new Echo Shows offer impressive features, they come with a higher price point than previous models. For budget-conscious consumers, this can be a barrier to entry. Although the advanced features may justify the cost for some, others might find that previous models meet their needs at a more affordable price.

2. Limited App Ecosystem

Despite the rich features available on the new Echo Shows, some users might find the app ecosystem lacking compared to other smart devices. Popular applications for video streaming and certain functionalities may still be limited or require workarounds, which can hinder the user experience. This can be frustrating for users who rely heavily on specific apps for entertainment or productivity.

3. Dependence on the Amazon Ecosystem

The best experience with the Echo Shows often requires deep integration with Amazon’s ecosystem, including Prime memberships and other Amazon services. For users who prefer to use services from other platforms or are skeptical about Amazon’s data practices, this reliance can feel restrictive. It can lead to a situation where the smart assistant experience feels more like an Amazon advertisement rather than an unbiased helper.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Amazon’s new Echo Shows come loaded with impressive features that enhance daily life and make smart home management seamless. From improved voice recognition to enhanced privacy controls, there’s a lot to love. However, the higher price tag, limited app ecosystem, and dependence on Amazon’s services may deter some users. Ultimately, whether these devices are right for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences in the rapidly evolving world of smart home technology.